The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has detained gangster-turned-drug lord Jaggu Bhagwanpuria under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988 (PIT-NDPS Act) for a minimum period of one year.
Bhagwanpuria, who is also an accused in the high-profile Sidhu Moosewala murder case, was transferred to Silchar Central Jail in Assam on Saturday evening. Sources revealed that a team of NCB officials, along with a heavy contingent of Punjab Police, escorted him from Bathinda's high-security jail to Chandigarh airport before transferring him to Silchar.
Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, whose real name is Jagdeep Singh, has now become the first Punjab gangster to be detained under the PIT-NDPS Act. A native of Bhagwanpur village under Kot Surat police jurisdiction in Gurdaspur, Singh is a notorious figure in the world of cross-border narcotics smuggling, particularly along the India-Pakistan border.
His influence in the illicit drug trade has remained formidable despite his prolonged incarceration in multiple NDPS-related cases. Authorities believe that even while lodged in various jails, he continued to operate an extensive drug trafficking and extortion network using encrypted communication and a web of operatives.
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His criminal record is extensive, with 128 cases registered against him, including 12 under the NDPS Act. Investigations leading up to his detention under PIT-NDPS uncovered compelling evidence of his involvement in running a well-organised narcotics supply chain from prison.
Intelligence reports and testimonies from his co-accused revealed that he frequently used smuggled mobile phones to issue instructions to his network. His name has also been linked to several cases involving the seizure of illegal firearms, including pistols, revolvers, and ammunition.
Further intelligence points to his alleged ties with drug suppliers based in Pakistan and international criminal networks in Canada and the United States, highlighting the transnational nature of his operations and the serious threat they pose to India's internal security.
Following an order issued by the Government of India’s Joint Secretary (PIT-NDPS) on March 21, the NCB swiftly executed his transfer from Bathinda to Silchar. Authorities believe that isolating Bhagwanpuria in a distant jail will disrupt his deep-rooted criminal networks in Punjab and neighbouring regions.
This action marks a significant step in the government’s ongoing crackdown on organised crime and drug trafficking in the state.
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