Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the Centre is preparing amendments to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act to close loopholes allegedly exploited by drug trafficking networks and strengthen India’s anti-narcotics framework.

Addressing the 10th apex-level meeting of the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) in New Delhi, Shah said the government is re-examining the existing law and invited states to submit suggestions for the proposed changes. The amendments are being worked on by the Ministry of Finance to make the legislation more effective in tackling organised drug syndicates.

Centre seeks stronger legal framework against narcotics

Shah stressed the need for a tougher approach towards drug traffickers and peddlers, while advocating a compassionate stance towards victims of addiction. He outlined a three-pronged strategy against drug trafficking — “detect, disrupt and destroy” — and urged all stakeholders to intensify efforts against the narcotics menace.

The Home Minister also asked state governments to share suggestions on strengthening the NDPS Act. Directors General of Police have been asked to forward recommendations to the Ministry of Home Affairs, while Chief Secretaries can submit their inputs to the Department of Revenue under the Ministry of Finance.

Seizures of synthetic drugs rise over past decade

Highlighting the government’s anti-drug campaign, Shah said that between 2004 and 2014, around 26 lakh kilograms of synthetic drugs were seized across the country. In comparison, agencies confiscated approximately 1.18 crore kilograms of synthetic drugs between 2014 and 2026.

He further said the estimated value of drugs seized during 2014-2026 stood at around Rs 1.84 lakh crore, significantly higher than the nearly Rs 40,000 crore worth of narcotics seized during the previous decade. According to Shah, these figures reflect the expanded scale and effectiveness of anti-drug enforcement efforts.

The minister also called for real-time information sharing among states through digital platforms developed by the Narcotics Control Bureau and urged authorities to ensure NCORD meetings deliver measurable outcomes. He unveiled the “Vision Document on Drug Control (2026-2029)”, which aims to provide a roadmap for reducing drug demand, curbing supply and minimising harm caused by substance abuse.

The alleged embezzlement of donations received at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has triggered major developments, with all eight accused named in the FIR now under arrest and senior temple trust officials resigning from their positions. Authorities have said the investigation will continue and anyone found guilty will face strict action.

The First Information Report was registered following recommendations made by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government to probe allegations of irregularities in the handling of donations received at the temple. The complaint was lodged by a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

According to officials, the eight accused were associated with the process of counting cash and valuables offered by devotees at the temple. Senior officials confirmed that all those named in the FIR have been arrested and are currently being questioned as part of the ongoing investigation.

Champat Rai and Anil Mishra step down

Amid the growing controversy, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust General Secretary Champat Rai resigned from his post on moral grounds. Trust member Anil Mishra also submitted his resignation, officials confirmed. Their resignations come as scrutiny over the alleged misappropriation of temple donations intensifies.

Yogi Adityanath says guilty will not be spared

Addressing a public meeting in Deoria, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said action began immediately after the SIT submitted its report. He asserted that no individual involved in wrongdoing would be exempted from legal action.

The chief minister described Ayodhya as a symbol of faith and said that public sentiments attached to Lord Ram and Sanatan Dharma cannot be compromised. He assured that the government would ensure a fair probe and separate truth from falsehood.

The issue has also sparked political reactions, with opposition leaders questioning the investigation and demanding accountability, while BJP leaders have maintained that strict action will be taken against all those responsible.

BJP Rajya Sabha MP and former AAP leader Raghav Chadha on Thursday intensified his attack on Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, demanding his resignation over the ongoing controversy surrounding a purported video linked to the Punjab leader.

Chadha alleged that recent developments in the investigation have exposed attempts to suppress the truth by using a fabricated forensic report. His remarks came after Haryana Police registered a case and arrested individuals accused of trying to arrange a fake forensic report connected to the controversial video.

The controversy centres on a purported video allegedly showing a person resembling Bhagwant Mann engaging in objectionable acts in the presence of images of Sikh gurus and Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. The issue had earlier drawn criticism from Sikh religious bodies, with the Akal Takht declaring Mann “guru dokhi” and “Khalsa panth virodhi”.

Questioning Mann’s continuation as chief minister, Chadha claimed that the alleged attempt to procure a fabricated forensic report had removed doubts over whether the video was genuine, manipulated or AI-generated. He also sought a wider probe into the alleged conspiracy, asking investigators to examine whether government officials or public funds were involved in obtaining the report.

According to police, two people have been taken into custody in connection with the case. Investigators are probing allegations that the accused were approached to procure a forged forensic analysis of the video. Police have also indicated that the suspects were not associated with any government-recognised forensic laboratory.

Bhagwant Mann has rejected the allegations, maintaining that the video was fabricated and asserting that technology, including the possible use of masks, was employed to create misleading footage. The Punjab Chief Minister has accused political opponents of using the issue for political purposes.

The controversy has further sharpened political tensions in Punjab, with opposition parties and Sikh organisations stepping up demands for action against the chief minister.