From 26/11 hero to drug kingpin: Ex-NSG commando arrested in massive drug haul, 200kg cannabis seized

Representative image (Courtesy: Reuters file photo)

A former National Security Guard (NSG) commando has been arrested for allegedly leading a cannabis smuggling racket in Rajasthan. Bajrang Singh, who was part of the 26/11 anti-terror operation, was arrested during a joint operation by Rajasthan Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF).

The 'drug kingpin', who carried a bounty of Rs 25,000, was held with 200kg ganja from Churu's Ratangarh. He was allegedly involved in smuggling ganja from Telangana and Odisha into Rajasthan.

According to Inspector General of Police Vikas Kumar, the ATS and ANTF officials were tracking Bajrang's movements for over two months. Officials of both the specialized units finally arrested him on October 1 under 'Operation Gaanjaney'.

"This operation was a result of weeks of planning and intelligence sharing. The arrest of a hardened operative like Bajrang is a significant achievement in neutralising the terror-narcotics nexus in Rajasthan," the IGP said.

Who is Bajrang Singh, commando who turned drug lord?

Belonging to Rajasthan's Sikar district, Bajrang served as an NSG commando for seven years. He left formal education after Class 10 and subsequently joined the Border Security Forces (BSF). It was a brief stint at BSF as he was discharged from service.

Bajranj was part of the network during the 2008 anti-terror operation in Mumbai serial blasts case i.e. 26/11 terror attack.

Bajrang tried hard to make his wife contest the local elections in 2021. Though his attempt failed, it gave him good exposure to local circles resulting in strengthening his influence.

He cultivated links with criminal elements across Odisha as well as Rajasthan, seeking to exploit his standing in the community for narcotics and terror-related operations.

How was the drug kingpin arrested?

Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) joined hands and formed a special unit under 'Operation Gaanjaney'. The officials tracked Bajranj's movements for nearly two months and upon receiving a tip-off linked to his cook, they nabbed the commando-turned-drug kingpin on October 1.

The joint team of security agencies learnt that Bajranj always travelled with his cook, a trusted house help who has no connection to the cannabis business. This information proved crucial to them as they got hold of technical intelligence on the cook's kin, which eventually led them to Bajranj's hideout in Ratangarh.

While several attempts were made in the past to nab him, Bajranj managed to evade arrest using fake mobile IDs and by hiding in remote villages.