NDPS cases in Panchkula: Six registered last year, 43 this year

Among the LSL cases, there has been a major increase in the NDPS cases, from six cases last year to 43 cases this year. “It is a serious offence, and the police have been keeping a close watch on such cases in the district. More number reflects the crackdown by the police in such cases. To add to it, those who are involved in drug trafficking are among the repeated offenders,” said Commissioner of Police O P Singh.

The Panchkula police had arrested two major gangs this year for their alleged involvement in drug trafficking. While most of them targeted young students in schools and colleges, the accused were found to be more active in Kalka and Pinjore. The police had also busted a gang involving foreign nationals who had their base in Delhi, but were allegedly selling drugs in the Tricity.

Apart from NDPS, 114 cases were registered under the Excise Act, 52 cases under the Gambling Act and three cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act. There were 275 cases of thefts registered at various police stations.

There was an increase in the number of road accidents, with over 82 cases registered under sections 279 (rash driving) and 304 (A) of the Indian Penal Code for rash driving and causing death due to negligence. While most of these cases were reported on two of the national highways running through Panchkula, the police highlighted that the killer stretch from Barwala to Panchkula on NH-73 had taken the maximum lives.

There were 14 cases of robbery, including daylight robbery of Rs 9.50 lakh outside UHBVN office, Power Colony, wherein the robbers killed the cashier, and fled away with the cash, Rs 9.80 lakh robbery at Sector 8 market from a petrol pump owner and another robbery at knife-point in Sector 15, when a resident was returning home in his car.

The year was marked by criticism from residents over the incidents of snatching, thefts and robberies. However, the police struck back by solving major cases with arrests within few days.

“Although it is a fact that there is inadequate manpower, instead of highlighting that, we have formed separate teams of police personnel under Crime Branch and CIA to prevent such crimes. We arrested some gangs while they were allegedly planning to commit dacoities,” said Singh.