Drug racket run by SHO: STF quizzes dismissed constable

Ludhiana: The Special Task Force (STF) on Saturday brought dismissed head constable Balbir Singh on two-day production warrant from Ludhiana Central Jail in connection with a drug racket allegedly being run by sub-inspector Amandeep Singh, SHO, Division number 2 police station.
Following the arrest of Amandeep a few days back, the STF is suspecting involvement of more cops in the case. During the interrogation of SHO, the police have come to know about his accomplice, Guri, who was his informer.
According to STF officials, Guri was an informer of police personnel at different police stations and anti-narcotics cell too. Sources said Guri used to give information about suspected peddlers to Balbir and Amandeep.
Inspector Harbans Singh, in-charge, Ludhiana STF, said the STF had arrested Amandeep on the information provided by head constable Balbir Singh. Name of a police informer Guri has surfaced in this case who was associated with personnel at different police stations and units of Ludhiana commissionerate. He was often seen in several police stations, however, nobody has his picture, address or his full name. The STF has got his mobile number, which has been found to be switched off.
The official said Balbir was arrested in an extortion case and came out of the jail in the first week of February. He said Balbir has confessed that Guri had passed on information of five suspected peddlers to him. Balbir used to trap addicts and peddlers for SHO, who used to release them after taking a bribe.
The STF has been conducting raids to nab Guri and his accomplices.
The STF had arrested SHO Amandeep Singh Gill and his aide Ajay Kumar on Tuesday night with 10.35g heroin. A case under Sections 21, 59 (2), 61 and 85 of NDPS Act has been registered against the accused. The STF has also recovered 50g opium and Rs 40,000 during further search.