PHAGWARA: In a fresh development that could reignite political tensions in Punjab, the former personal security officer (PSO) of Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira has been arrested by Punjab Police from Delhi Airport. The arrested individual, identified as Joga Singh, is considered a close aide of Khaira and was wanted in connection with a major drug trafficking case dating back to 2015.
According to police sources, the operation was carried out by Fazilka Police, which claims that during the 2015 crackdown, authorities had seized 2 kilograms of heroin, 24 gold biscuits, two Pakistani SIM cards, and a Tata Safari vehicle. The case had led to the registration of charges against nine individuals, including the former chairman of the Dhilwan Market Committee. Investigators say Joga Singh’s name emerged during the probe, prompting a years-long search for him.
The seriousness of the case had earlier prompted the Punjab government to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by Ludhiana Police Commissioner Swapan Sharma. In connection with the same case, Congress legislator Sukhpal Singh Khaira was previously arrested, although he has consistently denied any involvement.
Joga Singh’s arrest is expected to trigger renewed political sparring in the state, with the opposition likely to intensify its attacks on both the government and Khaira. Police officials have indicated that further interrogation could lead to new revelations in the high-profile narcotics case.