Chandigarh, September 24: Dismissed Punjab Police Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Raj Jit Singh Hundal has been arrested in Patiala after remaining absconding for nearly three years in cases linked to allegations of a police-drug trafficker nexus, extortion and manipulation of narcotics investigations. Punjab Police confirmed that an Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) team apprehended him in Patiala on Thursday.
According to police officials, Singh was traced using technical surveillance and financial investigation. His arrest came shortly after the Supreme Court directed him to surrender following an offer made by his legal team. The matter is scheduled for further consideration by the apex court.
The case dates back to investigations into dismissed Punjab Police inspector Inderjit Singh, who was accused of involvement in a drug-trafficking and extortion network. Investigations by Special Investigation Teams examined Raj Jit Singh’s alleged links with the former inspector and the handling of drug-related cases during their postings.
Reports submitted to the Punjab and Haryana High Court raised allegations that several NDPS case samples failed under suspicious circumstances, while investigators also examined claims of false implication, protection of alleged drug traffickers and interference with investigations. Singh has denied the allegations and challenged the proceedings.
The Punjab government dismissed Raj Jit Singh from service in April 2023, following the SIT findings, and separate proceedings were initiated under narcotics, corruption and related provisions. A Vigilance Bureau case also concerns allegations of assets disproportionate to known sources of income.
The arrest marks a significant development in the long-running investigation into alleged links between sections of the Punjab police and drug-trafficking networks. Further legal proceedings are expected as investigators seek custody and continue their probe into the cases.
