VARANASI, Dec. 30 -- Sonbhadra police have announced a reward of Rs.25,000 each for information leading to the arrest of four accused, including the main mastermind Shubham Jaiswal, wanted in a codeine cough syrup smuggling case. Other accused named are Nishant alias Ravi Gupta from Bhadohi, Vijay Gupta from Varanasi, and Vishal Upadhyay of Saharanpur.

Superintendent of police (SP) Abhishek Verma said that those providing information will remain anonymous. Citizens can share details at the nearest police station. "Teams have been instructed to intensify efforts to apprehend the accused," he added.

On October 18, Sonbhadra police intercepted two containers hiding large consignments of codeine-based cough syrup behind snack boxes. Subsequ...