Two Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officials have been suspended following the death of a BSF constable in custody, a report said.
BSF Constable Jaswinder Singh reportedly died of cardiac arrest after experiencing two cardiac episodes while receiving treatment at Pulse Hospital. He was arrested in Jammu by the NCB and was being transported to Amritsar, Punjab, in connection with an investigation linked to a case registered in Amritsar.
The NCB's investigation indicated that Singh was allegedly in contact with two virtual numbers associated with operatives from Pakistan, sources said, adding that a relative of Singh—also a BSF constable—has been arrested in two NCB cases and four cases with the Punjab Police concerning narcotics.
While being transported from Jammu, Singh began to experience severe chest pain. After taking some water, his condition temporarily improved. The NCB team arrived in Amritsar on March 19 at around 9:30 pm. At approximately 9:45 pm, however, Singh again experienced chest pain and was admitted to Pulse Hospital at about 10:00 pm. Despite medical efforts, he suffered two cardiac arrests and ultimately passed away at 4:00 am on March 20 due to cardiac arrest, sources noted.
The incident reportedly took place on the night of March 19–20. An investigation officer and an assistant director of the NCB have been suspended, news agency PTI said. Singh was allegedly picked up for questioning by the NCB on March 3.
A post-mortem examination was conducted by a team of three doctors, and a magisterial inquest, along with an inquiry, is currently underway. 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. She noted that the family was informed on March 20 about his deteriorating health but was not told the reasons for his detention.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) guidelines regarding custodial deaths are being followed. After the incident was brought to its notice, the NHRC requested a report and intends to take action based on the findings. The Jammu Police have registered a "zero FIR" in the case.
According to the PTI, the family has shared the incident on social media, demanding action against the NCB officials involved. The case is also being heard in the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
