Authorities have arrested a sixth suspect in a sweeping drug case at the Government Polytechnic College in Kalamassery, marking another turn in a probe that has shaken the student community.

The suspect, Anuraj, a mechanical engineering student from Kollam district, was taken into custody on Saturday and formally arrested the following day after extensive questioning, according to police sources.

Investigators allege that Anuraj played a central role in procuring and distributing ganja within the college hostel, particularly in the lead-up to Holi celebrations.

“He has been charged under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and will be presented before a magistrate, where he is expected to be remanded in judicial custody,” an officer at the Kalamassery police station stated on condition of anonymity.

The case first erupted on March 13 when police conducted a surprise raid on the men’s hostel, acting on a tip-off from the college principal regarding suspected drug use during Holi festivities.

The operation led to the seizure of 1.9 kg of ganja from one room and an additional 9.7 grams from another.

Prior arrests include current and former students—Adithyan, Abhiraj R, Ashique, and Shalik—who allegedly played roles in the possession and distribution of contraband.

Abhiraj R, a former student leader associated with the CPM-affiliated Students’ Federation of India (SFI), was expelled from the organization following his arrest.

Authorities are scrutinizing Anuraj’s financial transactions, suspecting he sourced up to 4 kg of ganja, with half of it entering the college premises. Other arrested students have reportedly identified him as the primary supplier.

Meanwhile, the SFI has pushed back against political accusations, with state president M Sivaprasad alleging that rival groups, including the Congress-backed Kerala Students Union (KSU), are leveraging the case to smear the organization.

“The SFI has been at the forefront of the fight against drug abuse across Kerala, yet attempts are being made to malign us through misinformation,” Sivaprasad stated.

As the investigation unfolds, law enforcement remains focused on dismantling the supply chain, signaling that further arrests and deeper financial probes could be on the horizon.

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