Punjab Police Book Five Officers for Aiding Druglord's Passport Release
In a significant development, the Tarn Taran police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against five police officers and launched a departmental investigation. The officers are accused of allegedly facilitating the release of the passport for Canada-based Indian-origin 'druglord' Shehnaz Singh, also known as Shawn Bhinder, from the Amritsar Regional Passport Office (RPO).
Officers Named and Legal Action Initiated
The FIR, filed on Wednesday following a preliminary enquiry by the Tarn Taran SP (headquarters), names the following officers: Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) in-charge inspector Prabhjit Singh, ASI Lakhwinder Singh, constable Dharminder Singh, head constable Harkamal Singh, and ASI (local rank) Gurvinder Singh. All five have been booked under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Inspector Prabhjit Singh and ASI Lakhwinder Singh were suspended on April 3 after it was revealed that their "misleading report" enabled Bhinder to secure his passport. The preliminary enquiry found that both officers were fully aware of Bhinder's criminal history, the nature of his crimes, and the high flight risk he posed.
Details of the Alleged Misconduct
According to the enquiry report, the officers knowingly prepared a biased report in Bhinder's favor to facilitate the release of his passport. They sent one copy directly to the Regional Passport Office on Ranjit Avenue in Amritsar and another copy to the Senior Superintendent of Police, thereby misleading authorities and assisting the accused.
Bhinder, who is wanted by the FBI, has since fled the country. Tarn Taran SSP Surendra Lamba stated on Thursday that the action against the officers is part of an investigation into how and when Bhinder managed to escape. In a video statement, SSP Lamba assured strict action against any official who acted against the department's principles to facilitate a criminal's escape.
Background on Shehnaz Singh Alias Shawn Bhinder
Bhinder, a native of Mandiala village in Batala, lived in Brampton, Canada. He is wanted by the FBI in connection with one of the largest drug seizures in US history on February 26, 2025. Federal officers arrested six of his associates and seized 391kg of methamphetamine, 109kg of cocaine, and four sophisticated weapons.
Bhinder was arrested in Ludhiana on March 10, 2025, in connection with a 2024 Arms Act case. His passport was impounded by the Amritsar RPO on April 11 of that year at the request of the Tarn Taran police. He was later granted bail by the Punjab and Haryana High Court on October 1, 2025.
Ongoing Investigation and Departmental Probe
The Punjab Police have emphasized that this case highlights serious lapses in procedural integrity. The departmental probe aims to uncover any further misconduct and ensure accountability within the force. Authorities are also investigating potential links or external pressures that may have influenced the officers' actions.
This incident underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with international criminal networks and the critical need for vigilance in passport issuance processes, especially for individuals with known criminal backgrounds.
