Tripura, 14 August 2025: Serious allegations have surfaced against well-known Khowai pharmacist Satish Bhattacharya, proprietor of Om Medical, for allegedly running an illegal narcotics trade for years under the guise of a medicine business.
The claims came to light following an operation by plainclothes police officers on Wednesday evening. Acting on a directive from Khowai District Superintendent of Police Ranaditya Das who has been spearheading special anti-drug drives since taking charge police detained two drug users from Ghosh Para, Khowai, and recovered Nitrazepam, a narcotic drug, from their possession.
During interrogation, the accused reportedly admitted they had been purchasing the drug for a long time from Om Medical. Upon being informed, Drug Inspector Subrata Das, along with police and the two accused, conducted an inspection at the pharmacy and allegedly confirmed the claims. A quantity of Nitrazepam tablets was recovered from the shop without proper authorisation.
Speaking over the phone, Drug Inspector Das stated that Nitrazepam is meant only for elderly patients and can be sold strictly with a doctor’s prescription. However, the inspection revealed that Om Medical had allegedly been selling the ₹33 medicine illegally for ₹200 without prescriptions for an extended period.
The Drug Inspector also noted that there have been several past complaints against the shop. He hinted that, if the violations continue, the drug control authorities may be compelled to seal the pharmacy in the future.
