Ludhiana, March 4
Under the ‘War on Drugs’ initiative through continuous efforts to crack down on drug trafficking and their illegal possession, Ludhiana Commissionerate Police, in collaboration with Railway officials, have demolished unauthorized structures erected by two smugglers encroaching on railway land in Talwandi Kalan village of the district.
The structure was illegally occupied by two drug peddlers, both accused facing separate cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Jaskiranjit Singh Teja, while talking to the media, said that this action has been taken on the basis of an application filed by the Railway Department, which had sought police assistance to remove illegal encroachments.
According to government records, among the accused, Rani, a notorious drug smuggler, is facing five cases under the NDPS Act while Shinder Pal, also known as Nikka, is involved in nine cases of drug smuggling.
DCP Teja said that the police along with the railway officials ensured that the encroachment process was carried out smoothly and sufficient personnel were deployed to prevent any untoward incident. The officials confirmed that the land rightfully belongs to the railways and was illegally occupied by the accused. The railway department has provided a list of 32 illegal encroachers on its land in Ludhiana.
DCP Jaskiranjit Singh Teja reiterated the commitment of the Punjab government led by Bhagwant Singh Mann to take strict action against those involved in the drug trade. He assured the public that the scourge of drug abuse will be eradicated. Exemplary punishments will be given to drug smugglers and the culprits will not be spared. He further said that no leniency will be shown to those involved in drug trafficking.
