Two officials of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), including an investigation officer and an assistant director, have been suspended following the custodial death of a Border Security Force (BSF) constable last month, sources said on Monday.
The deceased, Jaswinder Singh, a resident of Chakroi in the R.S. Pura area of Jammu, died in the early hours of March 20 after suffering cardiac arrest while in custody.
Arrest and Transit
Singh had been arrested by the NCB in connection with a narcotics-related case registered in Amritsar. A special NDPS court in Jammu had remanded him to custody, citing links to Punjab in the case.
According to sources, Singh was being transported from Jammu to Amritsar when he first complained of severe chest pain. Although his condition briefly improved, he again experienced discomfort upon reaching Amritsar on the night of March 19. He was admitted to a local hospital, where he suffered two cardiac arrests and died around 4 a.m. on March 20.
Allegations and Investigation
NCB sources indicated that Singh was allegedly in contact with operatives using virtual numbers linked to Pakistan. Investigators also pointed to a relative of Singh—also a BSF constable—who has previously been arrested in multiple narcotics cases.
Following the incident, procedures laid down by the National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) for custodial deaths have been initiated. A post-mortem examination was conducted by a panel of three doctors, and a magisterial inquiry is currently underway.
The Jammu Police have registered a zero FIR, and further legal action will depend on the findings of the post-mortem report and the ongoing inquiry.
Family Demands Justice
Singh’s family has alleged lack of transparency regarding his detention. His mother, Gurmeet Kaur, said he had returned home on leave before being taken by the NCB on March 3.
“We were only informed about his deteriorating health on March 20. We were not told why he was detained. We want justice,” she said.
The matter has been reported to the NHRC, which has sought a detailed report and is expected to take further action based on the findings. The case is also under consideration in the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Official Action
“The investigation officer and the assistant director concerned have been suspended,” a source confirmed, adding that internal and external probes are ongoing.
The incident has raised serious concerns over custodial safety and accountability, with authorities promising strict action if any wrongdoing is established.
