Kolkata, 11 June (H.S.): A large quantity of medicines buried underground was recovered in the Diamond Harbour area of South 24 Parganas district, prompting an investigation by the Health Department, drug control authorities and the police.

The recovery was made during an excavation operation in Hinchaberia village, where officials unearthed a substantial stock of medicines from beneath the ground. The discovery has triggered concern and raised questions about the source and purpose of the buried pharmaceutical products.

According to available information, the excavation was carried out in the presence of police and block administration officials after local authorities received specific information about the site. Following the initial recovery, an earth-removal machine was brought in to conduct a more extensive search, leading to the discovery of additional quantities of medicines.

Officials from the Drug Control Department and the Health Department subsequently visited the site to assess the situation. Authorities are examining the nature of the medicines recovered, their legal status, and the circumstances under which they were allegedly buried.

Police from Parulia Coastal Police Station have also launched an investigation into the matter.

Local BJP leaders have alleged that several of the recovered medicines had not yet reached their expiry dates. They claimed that medicines worth several crores of rupees were buried instead of being distributed to beneficiaries. BJP leaders have demanded a thorough and impartial investigation and have also raised questions about possible links to certain government welfare programmes.

Local residents said they had been receiving information for some time that trucks were allegedly transporting and burying medicines in the area. They claimed that the matter was reported to the administration, which subsequently initiated action. Villagers have expressed suspicion that a larger network could be involved in the incident.

However, the administration has not yet released any official estimate regarding the total quantity of medicines recovered or their market value.

Police and health officials are now attempting to determine where the medicines originated, why they were buried, and whether any individuals or organisations were involved in the alleged disposal. Authorities said the full facts of the case would emerge only after the investigation is completed.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh