Three Brothers Arrested in Balanagar After Clashing with Police on Rooftops

An early-morning police operation in Balanagar led to the arrest of three brothers running an online marijuana network, following a violent confrontation in which police personnel were attacked with a screwdriver and dogs before a rooftop pursuit.

Two EAGLE Force teams raided a residence in Balanagar to apprehend Bolla Durga Prasad, Bolla Kiran Kumar, and Bolla Kamalakar. Upon the arrival of the police, the accused allegedly unleashed dogs, including a Great Dane cross-breed, on the officers. Kamalakar then allegedly attacked Inspector Mallesh with a screwdriver, injuring his hand, for which the officer received first aid.

During the encounter, Kiran Kumar attempted to escape by jumping across building rooftops. He allegedly snatched a mobile phone from an elderly woman and recorded a video threatening self-harm before jumping from a building. Police secured him, and he is receiving medical treatment for injuries sustained in the fall.

A subsequent search of the residence yielded approximately 14 kilograms of marijuana, an air gun, and other materials. Investigators stated that the brothers had been selling marijuana online since 2025, accumulating around ₹25 lakh through their illicit business.

According to EAGLE Force SP Giridhar, the ring utilized a "dead drop" system to maintain anonymity. Sellers sent buyers photographs of specific drop locations and left the drug there for later collection, eliminating in-person contact.

The operation was part of a broader investigation involving 40 teams, including personnel dispatched to Odisha, after an alleged buyer was caught collecting a consignment. Investigators tracked WhatsApp records to uncover the broader distribution network. Police have identified 203 consumers across multiple states, including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh.

Authorities have apprehended 100 consumers so far, with 79 testing positive for marijuana. Efforts to trace and test the remaining buyers continue. Balanagar police have registered cases regarding the assault on police personnel, and financial investigations into related accounts are ongoing.