Consumer list includes 26 students from the Mediciti Institute of Medical Sciences in Medchal

metro india news  I hyderabad

Medical students and even practicing doctors—entrusted with saving lives—are now among those caught in the grip of drug abuse, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the healthcare profession in Telangana. The recent arrest of a lady doctor and multiple students from a leading medical college has alarmed authorities, prompting a state-wide crackdown.

In response, the Elite Anti-Narcotics Group for Law Enforcement (EAGLE) is launching drug testing drives across all educational institutions in Telangana. School and college authorities have been directed to ensure campuses remain free from drug trafficking and related activities.

The move follows a major bust on August 1. Acting on a tip-off, the HNPS-EAGLE team arrested 23-year-old Arfath Ahmed Khan from Risala Bazar, Bollarum, for possession of 2 kg of ganja. Arfath, a habitual user, reportedly turned to drug peddling to sustain his addiction. He sourced drugs from Bidar-based supplier Zareena Bhanu, paying large sums via UPI transactions.

The arrest triggered a wider investigation, revealing a consumer list of 84 people—among them 26 students from the Mediciti Institute of Medical Sciences in Medchal. Urine tests confirmed 8 students were drug users, with 4 referred to advanced diagnostics and counseling in the presence of college staff and parents.

On August 5, EAGLE arrested Zareena Bhanu (46), a long-time interstate peddler from Irani Colony, Bidar, with 4 kg of ganja. Investigators uncovered her deep involvement in drug trafficking since 2010, sourcing contraband from Parli (Maharashtra) and local dealers in Bidar. Bank records reveal over ₹1.5 crore in transactions annually, including ₹6 lakh received from Arfath alone.

As the probe expands, EAGLE has identified 51 additional peddlers linked to this network. Officials say the drug testing campaign is not just punitive—it aims to deter usage, dismantle trafficking networks, and protect students from slipping into addiction.