Punjab Newsline | Patiala
Dismissed Punjab Police AIG Raj Jit Singh, who had been absconding for nearly three years in connection with drug trafficking and corruption cases, surrendered before the Patiala Police on Wednesday. His surrender marks a significant development in one of Punjab's most high-profile investigations involving allegations of drug-related corruption within the police force.
Raj Jit Singh had been under the radar of law enforcement agencies after his name surfaced during investigations into a drug trafficking network linked to dismissed Inspector Inderjit Singh. Investigators have alleged that the two officers maintained links with drug smugglers, provided them protection and were involved in extortion and the misuse of official authority.
Punjab Government had dismissed Raj Jit Singh from service in April 2023 following the findings of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing drug-related cases. He became the first officer of AIG rank in Punjab Police to be dismissed over alleged involvement in a narcotics-related case. Since then, multiple investigations and legal proceedings against him have continued.
Apart from the drug trafficking allegations, Raj Jit Singh is also facing a disproportionate assets case. The Punjab Vigilance Bureau had reportedly uncovered suspicious financial transactions involving crores of rupees in bank accounts linked to him and his wife. Based on the findings, a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act was registered, and investigators continued to examine his financial dealings and properties.
Earlier, a special court in Mohali had declared Raj Jit Singh a proclaimed offender after he repeatedly failed to appear before the court and allegedly evaded arrest. Following the court order, the Special Task Force (STF) initiated proceedings to attach his properties.
Police officials are now expected to interrogate the former officer regarding the alleged drug network, extortion allegations and financial transactions under investigation. His surrender is being viewed as a major breakthrough in the long-pending probe into drug trafficking and corruption cases in Punjab.
