Punjab Authorities Conduct Survey of Alleged Drug Kingpin's Property in Ludhiana
In a significant development under the Punjab government's Yudh Nashya Virudh (War Against Drugs) campaign, officials from the Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA), supported by a substantial police contingent, executed a comprehensive survey of the property belonging to former sarpanch Gurdip Singh Rano. Rano is alleged to be the mastermind behind a multi-crore heroin smuggling network that has plagued the region.
Police Cases and Drug Trafficking History
According to police statements, Rano is currently facing 11 criminal cases registered under various sections, prominently including the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The authorities highlighted a pivotal incident in 2020 when the Special Task Force (STF) arrested Rano with approximately 31 kilograms of heroin, unveiling his extensive involvement in large-scale drug trafficking operations. Police further noted that substantial quantities of narcotics had been seized in earlier cases directly linked to him, underscoring the severity of his alleged activities.
Property Survey and Legal Violations
An official statement detailed that GLADA officials, accompanied by police personnel, arrived at Rano's opulent residence to perform on-site measurements of the property, including its boundary walls. The team meticulously documented the site through photographs, with plans to compile a report for submission to higher authorities to determine further legal actions.
GLADA junior engineer Aman Deep Singh revealed that preliminary investigations indicate no building plan or map had ever been approved by GLADA for the mansion's construction. He emphasized that the structure was erected illegally without obtaining the necessary permissions. Singh added that the family had previously filed a writ petition to obstruct demolition efforts, but this plea was disposed of on May 9, thereby clearing the path for GLADA to proceed in accordance with established regulations.
Police Presence and Statements
The survey operation saw the involvement of several senior police officers to ensure law and order, including:
- DSP (headquarters) Khanna Pritpal Singh Sandhu
- DSP Payal Jaswinder Singh Khaira
- SHO Payal Tarwinder Kumar Bedi
- SHO Malaud Charanjit Singh
- SHO Doraha Akash Dutt
A large deployment of police personnel was stationed at all corners of the property to prevent any disruptions during the proceedings.
Police officials reiterated that Rano's 11 cases encompass serious offences under the NDPS Act and other statutes. They disclosed that following significant drug recoveries, Rano spent nearly five years incarcerated in various Punjab jails before being released on bail approximately four months ago.
Commitment to Eradicating Drug Menace
Khanna SSP Dr. Darpan Ahluwalia issued a stern warning, asserting that drug traffickers would not be spared under any circumstances. He affirmed the police force's unwavering dedication to eradicating the drug menace from the state, aligning with the broader objectives of the Yudh Nashya Virudh campaign to combat narcotics and promote public safety.
