MP Minister Pratima Bagri Faces Controversy as Brother Arrested in Cannabis Smuggling Case

Satna: Madhya Pradesh State Minister Pratima Bagri is once again in the spotlight following the arrest of her brother, Anil Bagri, in a cannabis smuggling case. Her brother-in-law, Shailendra Singh Somu, is already in jail. When questioned about the matter, the minister appeared visibly irritable and avoided giving detailed responses.

Brother and Brother-in-law Implicated in Smuggling Network

Police reports indicate that Anil Bagri was apprehended by Satna Police while transporting cannabis in a luxury vehicle. He has been sent to judicial custody for 12 days. Meanwhile, his brother-in-law, who is serving a sentence in a UP jail, is also accused of running an extensive smuggling network spanning Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

Political Journey from Grassroots to Minister

Pratima Bagri’s rise in politics has been rooted in grassroots work. She began her political career with the BJP Mahila Morcha as General Secretary and later became District Organization Minister for the BJP in Satna. After the demise of senior BJP leader Jugul Kishore Bagri, she was a strong contender for the Raigaon Assembly seat in the 2021 by-election, although she lost to Congress candidate Kalpana Verma.

In the 2023 Assembly elections, Bagri contested again against Kalpana Verma and won with a margin of over 36,000 votes, becoming an MLA for the first time. Recognizing her as a young and educated face of leadership, the party inducted her into the cabinet under Dr. Mohan Yadav.

Reputation as a ‘Firebrand’ Minister

Since becoming a minister, Bagri has been known for her strict and proactive approach. She has conducted surprise inspections at hospitals, monitored sanitation initiatives, and often publicly reprimanded officials. Videos of her stern interactions with bureaucrats have gone viral, bolstering her image as a tough administrator.

Educational and Social Background

A native of Satna, Pratima Bagri holds Master’s degrees in Social Work and Law. Prior to her political career, she was actively involved in social work. While her family has political links to the BJP, Bagri has established her own identity in mainstream politics.

Reaction to Brother’s Arrest

The arrest of Anil Bagri for 46 kg of cannabis smuggling has put the minister in a delicate position. When questioned by journalists at the Maharaja Convention Centre in Khajuraho, she responded sharply, “Why do you force these questions?” and refrained from further comment.

Later, she remarked, “The media often assumes relationships without verification. I request that you confirm facts before commenting. Our government is acting strictly according to the law.” She declined to elaborate on the identities or details of the accused.