Illegal structures of drug peddler razed

In a decisive move under the government’s “War Against Drugs” campaign, the Kapurthala police demolished unauthorised structures built by notorious drug trafficker Surjit Singh, alias Tota, on 10 marlas of panchayat land in Toti village, Sultanpur Lodhi.

SSP Gaurav Toora said the demolition was carried out on the orders of Block Development and Panchayat Officer (BDPO) Gurmeet Singh, with the civil and police authorities using bulldozers to raze the illegal construction.

Surjit Singh has been implicated in seven cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act since 2013 across various police stations. His wife Kulwant Kaur, alias Billo, faces four NDPS cases, while their son Rahul is linked to seven cases and is currently absconding. Surjit Singh is presently in jail.

SSP Toora emphasized that the operation aligns with directives from DGP Gaurav Yadav to intensify efforts against drug trafficking. Similar actions have previously targeted illegal occupations by drug peddlers on government land in Boot village and Dhakka Colony, Kapurthala.

The district administration has escalated its crackdown by seizing properties worth ₹3.5 crore linked to drug trafficking, with an additional ₹1.5 crore in properties under process for seizure. Court proceedings are actively underway to auction these assets, ensuring stringent action against illicit gains from the drug trade.

BDPO Gurmeet Singh confirmed that Surjit Singh had encroached on panchayat land and despite issuing notices for vacation, no valid response was received, leading to the demolition following due legal process.

Jalandhar