DSP Vavinder Kumar from the 9th PAP Battalion of Punjab, formerly with the Special Task Force (STF), has moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court alleging that the state government is deliberately stalling investigations into over 300 drug-related FIRs filed in 2023. According to The Indian Express, these FIRs, relate primarily to the synthetic drug AlpraSafe (alprazolam), and most investigations have failed to go beyond low-level couriers.
Allegations of Deliberate Delay
In his petition, DSP Vavinder Kumar claims that although more than 300 FIRs were registered for AlpraSafe-related offences in 2023, investigations were deliberately limited. None of the cases, he states, pursued leads to trace the drugs to their manufacturers, distributors, or larger supply networks. He referred to an STF FIR registered on February 20, 2024, which had exposed narcotics worth ₹275 crore and 765 kg of drug powder. Despite the massive seizure and indications of local drug manufacturing, the investigation reportedly failed to proceed further.
Pressure and Political Interference
DSP Kumar alleges that attempts to probe deeper, especially into pharmaceutical companies suspected of producing and distributing these drugs illegally, were discouraged by senior officials. He claims he was instructed to stay away from certain lines of inquiry and was subsequently transferred out of the STF in retaliation. Further, he alleges being falsely implicated in a corruption case as a means of harassment. According to him, crucial evidence in possession of law enforcement agencies has also been tampered with or suppressed to prevent exposure of the larger drug network.
Court-Monitored Accountability
In his plea, the DSP has requested that an independent, court-monitored investigation be initiated into the 300+ drug-related FIRs. He says previous court directions to continue investigations and trace the sources of the drugs have not been followed by the state. During the court hearing, the government’s legal counsel denied the allegations, characterizing the plea as a personal attempt to deflect from ongoing probes and malign the government’s image. The state argued that actions had been taken in accordance with due process and that Kumar’s claims lacked substantive backing.
The Broader Context: Quota-Driven Crackdowns
This case surfaces at a time when the judiciary has already expressed concern over the government’s approach to the anti-drug campaign. In March 2024, the Punjab and Haryana High Court had warned against measuring police performance based on arrest targets in drug cases. The court observed that such practices could encourage wrongful arrests and potentially lead to the framing of innocent people to meet quotas, thereby creating a “barbaric situation.”
Stakes Rise in Synthetic Drug Crisis
Punjab has witnessed a sharp rise in the use of synthetic drugs such as alprazolam over the past few years. While regular drug seizures and arrests make headlines, many critics argue that the bulk of the enforcement targets users and low-level peddlers, while the key players—manufacturers and big traffickers—remain untouched. DSP Kumar’s allegations shine a spotlight on this gap and raise uncomfortable questions about the seriousness of the state’s anti-drug operations.
Calls for Transparency and Reform
If the allegations of deliberate delay and manipulation are proven true, they would point to a serious breakdown in the enforcement system and a lack of political will to dismantle drug networks in Punjab. Transparency advocates and civil society groups have called for immediate release of investigation reports, auditing of FIR progress, and enhanced oversight by independent agencies. The case has reignited calls for a more honest, apolitical, and accountable approach to tackling the drug menace in the state.
What Lies Ahead?
The High Court is expected to take a closer look at both the DSP’s allegations and the state’s response in upcoming hearings. The verdict could have a lasting impact on the way drug cases are pursued and monitored in Punjab. If the court finds merit in Kumar’s claims, it may issue strict directions for fresh investigations, increased transparency, and protections for whistleblowers. As Punjab continues to battle its drug crisis, the outcome of this case may prove to be a turning point in restoring public trust in law enforcement.
Photo Credit: Indian Express
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