After 18-month delay, Nizamabad police finally arrest Telangana intelligence officer’s son in 2024 drug case

Hyderabad: After facing sharp criticism for allegedly shielding a senior Telangana intelligence officer’s son in a drug case, the Nizamabad police have finally arrested Rahul Teja, nearly 18 months after he was named in an NDPS case registered in January 2024.

With this latest development, Teja is now officially accused in two separate drug-related cases, both under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.

Teja, who was previously marked as absconding in the 2024 Nizamabad case, was arrested a few days ago following a prison transit warrant obtained by Dichpally police. He was taken into custody from Cherlapally Central Jail, where he was lodged in connection with a separate drug case unearthed earlier this month, and was produced before a local court in Nizamabad, which formally recorded his arrest.

Teja was first arrested by the Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) on July 8, in connection with a drug bust involving Surya Annamaneni, owner of a hotel in Kompally and the prime accused in the racket. Investigators later found that Teja had also been named as accused No. 3 in the Jan 2024 Nizamabad drug case, based on confessions from two arrested peddlers, D Vikram and Shaik Khaja Mohiddin Chisty, who were caught in possession of narcotics.

Despite being named in the FIR, no action was taken for over a year, fuelling speculation of deliberate inaction due to Teja’s connection to a senior officer attached to the Special Intelligence Bureau.

Nigerian peddler tracked

As part of the ongoing probe, EAGLE officials recently arrested a Nigerian national, believed to be the current supplier of drugs to Surya and his network. According to investigators, he was sent to India to replace another Nigerian, identified as Nick, who had returned to Nigeria for a break.

“While returning, Nick handed over his phone to an associate in Delhi so that communication with Indian customers and sub-peddlers could continue seamlessly,” EAGLE sources told TOI. The Nigerian, currently in custody, is expected to be deported within the next couple of days.

Bail pleas ruling likely today

Meanwhile, at least four of the accused in the Kompally drug case, including Teja and Surya, have approached the Rangareddy criminal court seeking bail.

Final arguments in their petitions were heard on Thursday, and the court is expected to pronounce its decision on Friday.