Times News Network
Ludhiana: Former sarpanch of Rano village, Payal, Gurdeep Singh Rano, who was arrested by the Anti Narcotic Task Force (ANTF) in 2020 for running an international drug syndicate, has been detained under Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance (PIT NDPS) Act. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, secretary, home affairs, Punjab issued the detention order on the recommendation of ANTF. Rano applied for bail but after the detention orders, he will remain in custody for at least one year, even if his bail is granted, said an ANTF official.
After the detention orders, Rano was transferred from Central Jail, Kapurthala to Central Jail, Bathinda. Officials said that the action would prove to be a milestone in efforts against drug smuggling in Punjab. During the detention period, he will only be allowed to meet family members. These meetings will be recorded.
On Nov 6, 2020, the task force arrested Rano, his aides Ravej of Mahavir Colony, Iqbal Singh of Payal and Randeep Singh of Khanna. Police recovered 5.7 kg heroin, 400gm opium, 3 pistols- including two of .32 bore and one of 7.62 bore, a .32 caliber revolver, two rifles, 12 luxury cars and Rs 50.24 lakh drug money from their possession. An FIR was registered under relevant sections of the NDPS Act, Arms Act, IPC and Punjab Police Act against him at STF Mohali. During the probe, 31.418 kg heroin, 6 kg Amphetamine and 2 kg chemical powder was recovered from Rano and his accomplices. Snehdeep Sharma, AIG ANTF said that Rano had applied for bail but ANTF approached the home department. Although Rano had been lodged in jail since 2020, he tried to run the drug trade from prison, prompting ANTF to write to the govt.
Sharma added that moveable and immoveable properties worth Rs 7.80 crore belonging to Rano were seized. Besides, seven more FIRs under the NDPS and other acts were registered against Gurdeep Singh.
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