Punjab ASI suspended for allegedly planting heroin at Shiv Sena leader's home
A special investigation team has been formed after camera footage showed an officer hiding a packet under a mattress.
Khanna police have suspended Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Sukhdev Singh of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) staff for allegedly planting heroin at the residence of Shiv Sena (Punjab) leader Mahant Kashmir Giri, according to reports from Pragativadi, NewsX and The Times of India.
The action follows the release of hidden camera footage from Giri's home near Khatikan Chowk. The video reportedly shows an officer in plain clothes placing a packet under a mattress shortly before a police team arrived to conduct a raid and recover 30 grams of heroin from that exact location.
The incident began after the arrest of Giri's driver, Gurjant Singh, who was found with 7.5 grams of heroin. During questioning, Giri's name was mentioned, leading to the raid at his house.
Khanna Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dr Darpan Ahluwalia confirmed that the ASI was suspended and Giri has been discharged from the case. Ahluwalia stated that the accountability of the Punjab Police is of utmost importance and that the law is supreme regardless of whether a person is an accused or a police officer.
An investigation panel led by an officer of Superintendent of Police (SP) rank has been established to reconstruct the events. This Special Investigation Team (SIT) will also examine the involvement of other police personnel who participated in the search at the residence.