STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU/AMRITSAR: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has reported the death of a key accused in a major narcotics case involving commercial quantities of heroin and Tramadol, even as authorities have initiated mandatory judicial and magisterial inquiries into the incident.
According to an official press release issued by the NCB, Jaswinder Singh, a resident of RS Pura in Jammu, was arrested on March 3, 2026, by the NCB Jammu Unit in connection with Crime No. 26/24. The case pertains to the seizure of a commercial quantity of heroin.
Officials stated that his arrest followed earlier investigation in the same case, in which his brother Pupinder Singh had already been apprehended. Pupinder Singh has been described by investigators as a habitual offender, with at least six cases registered under the NDPS Act across Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir.
The NCB official further revealed that Jaswinder Singh was also arrested on March 12, 2026, in another case-Crime No. CR-22/2024-linked to the seizure of a commercial quantity of Tramadol. His custody in the matter was extended multiple times by the court, beginning from March 13 to March 17, then March 17 to March 18, and subsequently for six days from March 18 to March 23, as the investigation progressed.
As per the NCB official, the accused was identified and apprehended based on technical surveillance and analysis, which indicated his alleged Contact with drug smugglers operating from Pakistan, Punjab, and the Jammu region. During the course of investigation, Jaswinder Singh was taken to Amritsar on the evening of March 19 for further probe and verification of leads. However, while in Amritsar, his health condition deteriorated.
An NCB official said, “On the evening of March 19, 2026, Jaswinder Singh complained of chest pain and was immediately shifted to Pulse Hospital, Amritsar, for medical attention. Despite timely treatment, he suffered two cardiac events and unfortunately passed away on the morning of March 20, 2026.”
Following his death, the NCB has initiated all mandatory legal and procedural safeguards as per the guidelines of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and directions of the Supreme Court of India. These include inquest proceedings by a Judicial Magistrate, a magisterial enquiry by an Executive Magistrate, and a post-mortem examination to ascertain the exact cause of death. The matter has also been formally reported to the NHRC through the local police.
An NCB official emphasized, “All prescribed protocols in cases of custodial death are being strictly adhered to. Transparent and impartial enquiry processes have been initiated, and further action will be taken based on the findings of the post-mortem and magisterial investigations.”
Official added that the reports of the post-mortem and enquiries are awaited and will play a crucial role in determining the subsequent course of action.
The case highlights the NCB’s ongoing crackdown on interstate and cross-border narcotics networks, while also bringing attention to the procedural safeguards in place in cases involving deaths during custody.
