Lucknow: A nominated corporator of Harraiya Nagar Panchayat in Basti was arrested on Monday for allegedly selling ganja to some kanwariyas and other travellers. Police recovered 10kg ganja from the accused’s restaurant near a bus stop on the highway.The accused, Shani Kumar alias Ravi, 32, is a resident of Hanumangarhi in Ward 6 of Harraiya, was arrested following a tip-off received by policeCircle officer, Harraiya ,Swarnima Singh said they raided his restaurant and found him selling ganja.Police said two packets containing 10kg ganja and Rs 1,200 in cash were recovered during the search. During questioning, Shani told police he bought ganja from Nepal, prepared it into small packets and sold it to kanwariyas and passersby.A case has been registered against him under Sections 8/20 of the NDPS Act at Harraiya police station. He was produced before a court, which sent him to judicial custody. Police also said Shani is a listed criminal.The arrest triggered political controversy. Shani was among three persons recently nominated by the state govt as councillors of Harraiya Nagar Panchayat. However, Harraiya executive officer Shiv Pratap Singh said he had not yet taken oath as a councillor, as he had failed to submit the required documents during the oath-taking process.BJP Basti district president Vivekanand Mishra said Shani had not taken the corporator’s oath and the party had no connection with him.
