High-Ranking Punjab Police Officer Rajjit Singh Hundal Denied Anticipatory Bail in Major Drug Trafficking and Corruption Case

In a significant development, a high-ranking police officer has been denied anticipatory bail by the court in a major drug trafficking and corruption case. The judgment, delivered by a bench comprising of Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Harpreet Kaur Jeewan, came as a blow to the officer who is facing serious allegations of involvement in drug smuggling, extortion, and money laundering.

The case unfolded when a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted to investigate the allegations against the officer. Three reports submitted by the SIT revealed shocking findings, implicating the officer in smuggling drugs from Pakistan and planting narcotic substances on innocent individuals. The officer was also accused of misusing his authority to extort money from various individuals and benefiting drug smugglers.

The court, in its judgment, emphasized the need for custodial interrogation, expressing concerns about the potential tampering of evidence given the accused's high-ranking position within the police force. "The investigation cannot be curtailed while granting any interim protection to the petitioner who himself is a well-seasoned customer," the court stated.

The officer had filed an application for anticipatory bail, seeking relief from possible arrest and custody. However, the court dismissed the plea, invoking Section 37 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act) that allows stringent scrutiny before granting bail in drug trafficking cases. "The benefit of anticipatory bail to the petitioner cannot be permitted," the court ruled.

The judgment also shed light on the officer's sudden acquisition of expensive properties during his tenure at Tarn Taran, a border district facing a large number of cases under the NDPS Act. The court expressed grave concern for the well-being of the younger generation and the need to tackle the drug menace.

The case has been under the court's scrutiny for over a decade, with the officer being given several opportunities to present his stand before senior officials. However, the officer has failed to cooperate with the investigation, merely filing applications to avoid custody.

The court's decision to deny anticipatory bail has paved the way for the investigating agencies to conduct a thorough and unhindered investigation into the officer's alleged criminal activities. The officer's dismissal from service and the recommendation for his nomination as an accused in criminal cases underline the gravity of the charges against him.

The court's judgment has sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community, raising questions about the integrity of high-ranking officials. With the drug trafficking and corruption case gaining public attention, the nation awaits the outcome of the investigation as the officer faces potential trial and possible conviction.

"The petitioner seems to have been 'running with the hare and hunting with the hounds'. The investigation cannot be curtailed while granting any interim protection to the petitioner."

Date of Decision: 3rd August 2023

Raj Jit Singh Hundal  vs State of Punjab