Narco Kingpin Navpreet Singh Gets 10-Day Police Custody
Delhi Police secures 10-day custody of alleged narco kingpin Navpreet Singh, who was deported from Turkey to face investigation across four states.
In a major breakthrough against drug trafficking networks, the Rouse Avenue Court has granted 10 days of police custody to Navpreet Singh, the alleged kingpin of a massive narco network. Singh, who had been evading justice for years, was recently deported from Turkey and produced before a Special NDPS Judge.
Investigation to Span Four States
The Delhi Police Special Cell has emphasized the complexity of the investigation, stating that the accused must be taken to multiple locations to unravel the full extent of the drug syndicate. According to Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Akhand Pratap Singh, the probe will require Navpreet Singh to be transported to the following states:
- Maharashtra
- Madhya Pradesh
- Uttar Pradesh
- Punjab
The prosecution argued that these interstate movements are essential to trace the supply chains and connections established by the accused.
The Hunt for the Proclaimed Offender
Navpreet Singh has been a central figure in an NDPS case dating back to 2022. While other co-accused individuals—Ramandeep Singh, Gurpreet Singh, and Gurjot Singh—were already charge-sheeted, Singh had managed to stay out of reach, leading authorities to declare him a Proclaimed Offender.
The Delhi Police presented evidence suggesting that Singh maintained critical links with his accomplices through digital platforms, including iCloud and various other mobile applications. The prosecution highlighted that a significant quantity of narcotics had previously been recovered from his co-accused, pointing toward his leadership role in the criminal enterprise.
Court Proceedings and Defense Arguments
During the hearing, Special Judge (NDPS) Anuradha Shukla questioned the prosecution regarding the necessity of the 10-day custody and the specific evidence held against the accused. The SPP maintained that Singh's role as the mastermind makes his interrogation vital to the case.
The defense, represented by advocate Asghar Khan along with Mohd. Tahir Khan, Sahar Masoor, and Adhar Ahmed, strongly opposed the request for police custody. The legal team raised several points in support of the accused:
- Old Case: The defense argued that since the case is from 2022, the period for recovery has passed.
- Previous Bail: It was noted that co-accused Ramandeep Singh had already been granted bail.
- Lengthy Detention: The defense highlighted that Singh had already spent 33 months in custody in Turkey.
- Judicial Custody: The lawyers contended that there was nothing left to recover and that interrogation could be conducted while in judicial custody rather than police custody.
Despite these arguments, the court moved forward with the 10-day remand, allowing the Delhi Police to begin their intensive interrogation of the alleged kingpin.