The recent arrest of Kusum, known as the “drugs queen”, marked the end of a two-month manhunt by Delhi Police. The operation, which unfolded across Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, concluded on April 9 when she was apprehended in Shahdara. Kusum, who had a reward of Rs 50,000 placed on her head and was wanted under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), had evaded authorities multiple times during the extensive search.

The investigation commenced when Shahdara police gathered intelligence regarding her movements. Following this lead, a widespread operation was initiated. Officers meticulously reviewed footage from over 200 CCTV cameras, scrutinising days of recorded video, alongside analysing the data from more than 100 mobile phones in search of any signs of Kusum. Despite relentless raids conducted across various states, she managed to escape, often just minutes before law enforcement arrived.

Kusum’s tactics were strategic; she employed low-tech methods by avoiding smartphones, frequently changing hideouts, and using new SIM cards to stay off the radar. This approach contributed to her reputation as one of the most elusive targets for the police.

Breakthrough Surveillance Leads to Arrest

Dive deeper into the details revealed during her interrogation, it became apparent that Kusum was not merely a trafficker; she allegedly operated as the chief player in a comprehensive drug syndicate. The extent of the network was alarming, with her daughters, Deepa and Chiku, already in custody due to their roles in the operation, along with her brother Hariom and an associate named Ravi. Police disclosed that the syndicate was meticulously organised, with all family members holding instrumental positions in the drug trade.

The growth of her operation illustrates a significant evolution in her criminal career. Starting as a small-time drug dealer in Sultanpuri, Delhi, she gradually expanded her network to include areas beyond the city’s borders. Over the years, her influence and scope of operations reached alarming proportions, remaining largely undetected until this latest crackdown.

Legal Consequences and Implications

Kusum’s criminal history is extensive, with at least eleven pending cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act dating back to 2003. A Rohini court had already declared her a proclaimed offender, underscoring the gravity of the accusations against her. Her arrest is viewed as a critical step forward in addressing the issue of organised drug trafficking in the Delhi region.

Authorities emphasised that this operation not only highlights the challenges faced in apprehending elusive criminals but also represents a significant advancement in their ongoing efforts to dismantle organised drug networks. The case has attracted considerable attention, reaffirming the need for steadfast law enforcement strategies in tackling drug-related crimes.

The multifaceted investigation into Kusum’s operations is expected to continue, with the potential for more arrests as police delve deeper into her network. Her capture has been a pivotal moment, providing hope for further action against the rampant drug trade in and around the capital, underlining the importance of patience and precision in law enforcement efforts.

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