Sitting MLA’s ‘kin’ held with chitta, case filed

According to the police, 1.17 grams of chitta along with a small electronic weighing machine was recovered from the accused during the operation. Following the recovery, a case under Section 21 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act was registered at Barsar police station.

SP Balbir Singh said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the accused is a close relative of a sitting MLA. He, however, clarified that the investigation is being conducted in a fair, impartial and professional manner, without any influence or bias.

“The role of the accused, his network and the extent of his involvement in chitta smuggling are being thoroughly investigated. Police are also probing the source of the contraband and possible links with other individuals involved in the drug trade,” the SP said.

He added that drug abuse and trafficking remain a serious concern in the district and the police are maintaining strict vigilance, particularly in forested and isolated areas often used for such illegal activities. He reiterated that no individual, irrespective of social or political connections, would be spared if found involved in drug-related offences.

The arrest comes amid intensified efforts by the Hamirpur police to curb the menace of narcotics, with several cases registered in recent months as part of the district’s crackdown on drug trafficking.