In a shocking incident that has raised serious concerns about police integrity, an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) in Abohar town of Fazilka district, Punjab, has been suspended and booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The action came after a video went viral on social media, allegedly showing the officer conducting a drug transaction from inside a Dial 112 police emergency response vehicle.
Viral Video Captures Alleged Drug Deal
The 12-second video clip shows a Punjab Police Dial 112 vehicle parked on a road. Two youths on a motorcycle stop next to the vehicle. The footage then captures ASI Balwinder Singh, seated inside the police van, purchasing what is suspected to be contraband from the motorcycle-borne youths. It is alleged that the officer bought chitta, a form of heroin, for Rs 500. The entire transaction was recorded by a bystander.
Police Investigation and Suspension
Ashwant Singh, Superintendent of Police, Abohar, confirmed that the video is about 4-5 days old. “An investigation revealed that within the jurisdiction, ASI Balwinder called a known associate, Jashan, to summon him. He then purchased a narcotic substance from the young man. Following the investigation, the ASI has been placed under suspension,” he said.
Political Reaction
Abohar MLA Sandeep Jakhar expressed outrage over the incident, questioning, “How can those who are themselves facilitating the spread of this trade be expected to curb drug abuse?” The incident has sparked widespread criticism, highlighting the challenges in tackling the drug menace in the state.
The case has been registered under the NDPS Act, and further investigations are underway to identify all individuals involved in the transaction.
