SIT Uncovers ₹425 Crore in Sonbhadra Cough Syrup Probe

SIT Detects ₹425 Crore Financial Trail in Sonbhadra Cough Syrup Probe

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the illegal diversion of narcotic cough syrup in Sonbhadra has uncovered a massive financial trail linked to Shaili Traders, the primary stockist under scrutiny. Preliminary findings suggest that the firm handled suspicious transactions worth nearly ₹425 crore over the past two years, indicating a multilayered network that stretches far beyond district boundaries. Meanwhile, prime accused Shubham Jaiswal continues to evade arrest.

30 Bank Accounts Frozen; Only ₹60 Lakh Found So Far

Investigators have frozen 30 bank accounts believed to be connected to the supply chain. While the accounts collectively contain about ₹60 lakh, officials believe this represents only a small fragment of the total proceeds generated from the illicit sale of cough syrup. A deeper analysis of layered transactions, digital transfers, and parallel banking routes is underway to map the full scale of the operation.

Chartered Accountant Issued Notice as Paper Trail Widens

The SIT has served a notice to Vishnu Agrawal, chartered accountant for Shaili Traders and a resident of Varanasi. He has been asked to appear before the investigation team by December 10 and produce:

• Ledgers

• GST filings

• Sales and purchase registers

• Bank statements

Officials are examining whether large consignments were disguised as regular pharmaceutical supplies to mask illegal diversion.

Drug Agencies Across Districts Under Scrutiny

The investigation has expanded to multiple medical stores and drug distributors suspected of participating in the supply chain. Notices have been sent to:

• Maa Kripa Medical Store, Sonbhadra

• Shiviksha Firm, Sonbhadra

• Dilip Medical Agency, Nai Bazar (Bhadohi)

• Ayush Enterprises

• Rajendra & Sons Drug Agency, Parsipur

• Firms operated by Ankita Gupta

Police are also questioning the building owner where one of the suspect firms operated. Investigators aim to verify purchase volumes, distributor relationships, and potential front operations linked to Shaili Traders.

Network Believed to Span Multiple Districts

Superintendent of Police Abhishek Verma indicated that the ₹425-crore financial trail is only the first layer. Teams are scrutinising procurement cycles, invoice trails, and suspected forged purchase orders. Preliminary evidence suggests a coordinated network operating across multiple districts, raising concerns about deeper involvement within pharmaceutical and logistics channels.

Key Accused Still Absconding; More Revelations Expected

Prime accused Shubham Jaiswal remains untraceable. The SIT is relying on digital forensics, prior communication logs, and bank-linked intelligence to track his movement. Several individuals connected to the network have already been identified, and officials expect significant disclosures as device data is analysed and financial trails are reconstructed.

Complex financial crime cases like this highlight the importance of strong compliance, transparent accounting, and robust financial oversight. Whether you're a business or an institution, structured financial governance protects you from unintended exposure and regulatory risks.

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