Tragedy in Latur: Two Minor Siblings Die After Falling into Well, Police Constable Caught Running Rs 17 Crore Drug Lab
In a heart-wrenching incident in Maharashtra’s Latur city, two young siblings tragically lost their lives after accidentally falling into a well while playing near their home. The tragic event occurred in the Taleburhan area on Thursday, April 10, around 4 PM. According to official reports, the victims were identified as six-year-old Alina Sameer Shaikh and her three-year-old brother Usman. The children were innocently playing near the well when the unfortunate mishap took place. Their eight-year-old brother, who witnessed the fall, panicked and immediately rushed home to alert their family members. Acting swiftly, the family and local residents launched a rescue operation. Using a rope tied to a nearby tree, they managed to retrieve the children’s bodies after approximately one-and-a-half hours of intense efforts. Despite their quick response, both children had tragically lost their lives. The children’s father, who works as an ice cream vendor, was devastated by the loss, highlighting the deep sorrow that has gripped the family and the entire community.
In a separate incident that has sent shockwaves through the region, a major drug bust was conducted in Latur, leading to the seizure of 11.36 kilograms of mephedrone, commonly known as MD, worth an estimated Rs 17 crore. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Mumbai, carried out a raid on April 8 and uncovered a fully equipped mephedrone manufacturing lab in Latur. Along with the large quantity of synthetic drugs, officials also discovered significant amounts of raw materials and lab equipment.
Shockingly, the mastermind behind the illegal drug operation has been identified as Constable Pramod Kendre, a police officer attached to the Naya Nagar Police Station in Mira Road. Kendre had joined the Maharashtra Police in 2010 and had been posted in Mira Road since 2021. Investigations revealed that he had been taking frequent medical leaves to visit Latur, under the pretense of setting up a farm and building a house. He had purchased land in Latur a few years ago, claiming it was for agricultural use. However, it later emerged that he had constructed an illegal drug lab on the same land.
According to police sources, Kendre came into contact with drug dealers during his previous posting at Mira Road Police Station, and it is suspected that one of them may have financed the drug manufacturing unit. He took medical leave again on April 3 and never returned to duty. Following his arrest, Kendre was immediately suspended, and a detailed report has been submitted to the DRI. Senior Inspector Amar Jagdale confirmed Kendre’s suspension and arrest, adding that he is now under investigation for his direct involvement in the operation of the illegal drug lab.
These two contrasting events—one involving the tragic loss of innocent lives and the other exposing the dark underbelly of drug trafficking involving a law enforcement officer—have left the residents of Latur shocked and grief-stricken. The twin incidents underscore the urgent need for safety measures in residential areas and stricter surveillance to curb illegal activities.
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