NCB Officials Suspended After BSF Constable Dies in Custody During Transit

Two officials of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), an investigation officer and an assistant director have been suspended after the death of BSF constable Jaswinder Singh , who died while in custody during transit from Jammu to Punjab, sources said.

According to NCB sources, Jaswinder Singh was arrested on March 3 in Jammu in connection with a drug trafficking investigation linked to a case registered in Amritsar. Officials alleged that he was in contact with two virtual mobile numbers reportedly linked to Pakistan-based operatives . They further said that a relative of Singh, also a BSF constable, is facing multiple narcotics cases with the Punjab Police and the NCB, forming part of a wider ongoing probe.

During transit on March 19, Singh reportedly developed severe chest pain . He was taken to Pulse Hospital in Amritsar around 10 pm after his condition deteriorated. Despite medical intervention, he suffered two cardiac arrests and was declared dead at 4 am on March 20.

Legally, the case falls under custodial death , as Singh was in the custody of law enforcement agencies at the time of his medical emergency and death. However, whether the incident involves negligence, procedural lapse, or foul play will be determined after the magisterial inquiry, post-mortem report, and NHRC review .

A zero FIR has been registered in Jammu, and the matter is also under consideration before the Punjab and Haryana High Court . Officials said that based on findings, charges in custodial death cases may include culpable homicide, causing death by negligence, or other IPC provisions , depending on evidence.

The family has alleged lack of transparency over the arrest and detention and has demanded justice.