Khanna (Ludhiana district): A Punjab Police assistant sub-inspector has been suspended after CCTV footage circulated allegedly showing him planting narcotics at the home of a Shiv Sena leader in Khanna, in a case that has raised serious questions about the conduct of a drug raid.

Source: India Today via News89

According to the reports, the footage shows Assistant Sub-Inspector Sukhdev Singh, dressed in plain clothes, allegedly hiding packets of suspected heroin beneath a mattress at the residence of Shiv Sena leader Mahant Kashmir Giri. Shortly afterwards, a police team raided the premises, recovered the contraband and arrested Giri on narcotics charges.

After the recordings circulated, Khanna Senior Superintendent of Police Dr Darpan Ahluwalia suspended ASI Sukhdev Singh and constituted a Special Investigation Team headed by a Superintendent of Police-rank officer to conduct a thorough inquiry, both India Today (via News89) and News18 reported.

Source: News18

Allegations, not yet findings

The planting allegation rests on the circulated footage as reported by the two outlets; the SIT inquiry is under way and there has been no official finding yet on the footage or on the circumstances of the raid and Giri's arrest. Awaaz Punjab is reporting the suspension and the SIT formation as the confirmed official actions, and the planting itself as an allegation under investigation.

The case has triggered concerns about accountability and police discipline during Punjab's ongoing anti-drug campaign, the reports said. What the SIT concludes, and what happens to the case against Giri, will be reported as official word comes in.