Two officials from the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) have been suspended following the death of a Border Security Force (BSF) constable while in custody. The incident, which occurred on the night of March 19-20, has prompted investigations and raised concerns regarding custodial procedures.
The suspended officials include an investigation officer and an assistant director within the NCB. The action was taken after BSF Constable Jaswinder Singh died of cardiac arrest, having experienced two cardiac episodes while receiving treatment at Pulse Hospital, where he was admitted following severe chest pains, sources said. The constable’s death has triggered multiple levels of inquiry, including a magisterial inquest, as authorities seek to determine the circumstances surrounding his demise. As per information available with TahirRihat.com, the family of the deceased has voiced their concerns and demands for justice through social media channels.
Singh was initially arrested in Jammu by the NCB and was being transported to Amritsar, Punjab, in connection with an investigation related to a case registered in Amritsar. According to reports, a Special NDPS Judge in Jammu had remanded him to custody, based on his alleged connection to Punjab. The NCB’s investigation suggested that Singh was purportedly in contact with two virtual numbers linked to operatives from Pakistan. Furthermore, a relative of Singh, also a BSF constable, has been arrested in connection with narcotics cases by both the NCB and the Punjab Police. Details surrounding these cases are still emerging as investigations continue.
During the transport from Jammu, Singh reportedly began experiencing severe chest pain. After consuming some water, his condition temporarily improved, according to sources familiar with the matter. The NCB team arrived in Amritsar around 9:30 pm on March 19. Shortly thereafter, at approximately 9:45 pm, Singh experienced chest pain again and was admitted to Pulse Hospital around 10 pm. Despite medical intervention, he suffered two cardiac arrests and died at approximately 4 am on March 20. The immediate cause of death was attributed to cardiac arrest, sources noted.
In the wake of the incident, authorities have initiated several procedures to ensure transparency and accountability. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) guidelines pertaining to custodial deaths are being strictly followed. A post-mortem examination was conducted by a panel of three doctors. Additionally, a magisterial inquest and an independent inquiry are currently underway to ascertain the facts and circumstances leading to Singh’s death. The state police are expected to proceed with legal actions against those found responsible, based on the findings of the post-mortem report, the inquest, and the magisterial inquiry. (Agencies reported)
The matter has been formally reported to the NHRC, which has requested a detailed report and intends to take appropriate action based on its findings. The Jammu Police have registered a ‘zero FIR’ in the case, ensuring that the investigation can proceed even though the incident occurred outside their immediate jurisdiction. (According to Daily Excelsior, the family has shared the incident on social media, demanding action against the NCB.)
The case is also under consideration in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, where legal proceedings are ongoing to address the various aspects of the incident and related inquiries. The suspension of the investigation officer and the assistant director highlights the seriousness with which the authorities are treating this matter and underscores the commitment to upholding accountability within the NCB.
Singh was allegedly picked up for questioning by the NCB on March 3. (Daily Excelsior reported that Singh’s mother, Gurmeet Kaur, who resides in Jammu, informed reporters that her son had returned home on leave before being taken by the Jammu unit of the NCB on March 3.) Kaur stated that the family was informed on March 20 about his rapidly deteriorating health, but they were not initially provided with the reasons for his detention. The family seeks justice and a thorough investigation into the circumstances of Singh’s death while in custody.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.