Chandigarh, April 10: Punjab authorities have registered a criminal case against five police personnel in Tarn Taran for allegedly helping an international drug trafficker recover his impounded passport. The suspect, identified as Shehnaz Singh, also known as Shawn Bhinder, is wanted by the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and is now believed to have fled India following the release of his travel documents.
Tarn Taran Senior Superintendent of Police Surendra Lamba stated on Thursday that the accused officers issued a no-objection certificate and prepared a biased report to facilitate the return of the passport. Bhinder, a native of Batala, had been arrested last year during a major anti-drug operation after escaping an FBI crackdown in the United States. Following his arrest, his passport was officially impounded by the Regional Passport Office in Amritsar at the request of the police.
The police personnel named in the FIR include Inspector Prabhjit Singh, ASIs Lakhwinder Singh and Gurwinder Singh, Head Constable Harkanwal Singh, and Constable Dharminder Singh. SSP Lamba affirmed that a preliminary inquiry conducted by a Superintendent of Police established the responsibility of these five individuals. He declared that while Inspector Prabhjit Singh and ASI Lakhwinder Singh were previously suspended, all five suspects are currently absconding.
State authorities maintained that Bhinder is a central figure in a global narcotics syndicate responsible for moving vast quantities of cocaine from Colombia into North America. FBI records indicate that a 2025 raid targeting his associates resulted in the seizure of nearly 400 kg of methamphetamine and 100 kg of cocaine. Investigators affirmed that Bhinder operated a transportation business in Canada as a front for his illegal activities, allegedly moving 600 kg of cocaine weekly.
A detailed investigation led by an officer of SP rank has been initiated to uncover further lapses. SSP Lamba asserted that the role of other officials will be examined and declared that the department will take the strictest possible action against anyone found to be assisting criminals in evading justice.
