Amritsar: In a major crackdown on drug trafficking in Punjab, police have arrested a village sarpanch associated with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) after seizing over 4.5 kg of heroin from his vehicle, intensifying political tensions in the state.
The accused, Lovepreet Singh, a sarpanch from the Majitha belt of Amritsar district, was nabbed along with two aides during a well-planned police operation based on intelligence inputs.
Intercepted at Checkpoint
Police officials said the trio was travelling in an SUV when they were intercepted at a naka set up following a tip-off. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of a substantial heroin consignment, suspected to be part of a larger drug supply network.
The contraband, along with the vehicle and other materials, was seized, and all three occupants were taken into custody.
Political Heat Rises
The arrest has quickly snowballed into a political controversy. Opposition parties have targeted the ruling AAP, alleging links between the accused and the party’s local leadership.
While critics have called for a deeper probe into possible political connections, the AAP has distanced itself, maintaining that the law is taking its course.
Wider Network Under Scanner
Investigators are now working to trace the origin and intended delivery route of the heroin consignment. Officials suspect the involvement of a broader trafficking syndicate and are examining possible links and financial trails.
The development comes as Punjab continues to battle the menace of narcotics, with authorities stepping up enforcement to dismantle drug networks operating across the state.
Further arrests and disclosures are expected as the probe progresses.
