In a plot twist seemingly ripped from the hit television series "Breaking Bad," two science teachers in Rajasthan have been arrested for allegedly running a clandestine mephedrone (MD) drug lab from a rented apartment. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) raided the flat in Sri Ganganagar, uncovering a sophisticated setup and arresting the two teachers.
The accused are Manoj Bhargava, 25, a government school science teacher, and Indrajit Bishnoi, 35, a former physics tutor who was preparing for the Rajasthan Administrative Services (RAS) exam. According to the NCB, the duo used their scientific knowledge to create an illegal enterprise, manufacturing MD in a makeshift lab located in Riddhi-Siddhi Enclave, Dream Homes. They reportedly used weekends to produce the drugs, and even took leave on a Monday to extend their production time.
NCB Zonal Director Ghanshyam Soni stated that the lab had been operating for over two months. The teachers rented the flat specifically for manufacturing drugs, utilizing their knowledge of science to mix chemicals in the correct proportions. Officials revealed that approximately 5 kg of the synthetic drug had been produced in the last two and a half months, with over 4 kg allegedly distributed to local youth. During the raid, 780 grams of mephedrone were recovered. The value of the seized mephedrone is estimated to be between ₹1.5 crore to ₹2 crore. Officials suspect the teachers may have sold drugs worth ₹15 crore since they began manufacturing.
Inside the flat, authorities discovered a sophisticated setup, including chemicals, laboratory-grade glassware, and other equipment. Seized substances included acetone, benzene, sodium bicarbonate, bromine, 4-methyl propiophenone, isopropyl alcohol, ethylamine, and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone—all essential in MD synthesis. Many of these items were sourced from Delhi and are available in labs or chemical markets.
The two teachers, who have been friends for 15 years, claimed they were under debt and decided to manufacture the drug to pay it off. They allegedly sold their product through a middleman, and efforts are underway to identify this individual.
Adding another layer to the case, Ashish Rathi, who has over 20 criminal cases against him, was also arrested. Rathi and his wife, Simran, allegedly sold the drugs produced by Bhargava and Bishnoi. Simran is currently on the run.
The case has sent shockwaves through the community. Kiran Chhabra, the principal of the Government Senior Secondary School in Muklawa, where Bhargava taught, expressed disbelief, noting that he always appeared invested in his students' welfare.
The NCB launched the operation following a tip-off, highlighting growing concerns over synthetic drugs in the area. The timing of the raid is especially significant as Sri Ganganagar has been battling a drug menace, with over 150 overdose deaths reported since last year.
According to the NCB, Bhargava and Bishnoi, who were already involved in peddling heroin, watched "Breaking Bad" last year and decided to experiment with industrial chemicals available at the local market. They leased an apartment for Rs 10,000 just over two months ago and transformed it into their lab, using it every weekend to manufacture MD.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential for misuse of scientific knowledge and the devastating impact of drug manufacturing on communities.
