New Delhi: In a major breakthrough in the ongoing crackdown on absconding criminals, the Crime Branch of Delhi Police has arrested a key accused in a high-profile drug trafficking case dating back to 2021.
The accused, identified as Chander Shekhar, 35, had been on the run for nearly four years and was declared a Proclaimed Offender (PO) by the court in 2023.
Shekhar, a resident of Titoli village in Rohtak district, Haryana, was wanted in connection with a case involving the trafficking of 358 kg of ganja smuggled from Andhra Pradesh to Delhi.
Acting on a tip-off, a special team of the Northern Range-II Crime Branch, under the supervision of Inspector Ajay Singh and guidance of ACP Narender Singh, managed to trace and apprehend the fugitive from his native village.
Long Hunt Ends After 4 Years
The fugitive had been evading arrest since September 2021, when a major operation by the Delhi Police led to the seizure of a large consignment of ganja near Dwarka, Delhi.
On the night of September 16-17, 2021, Shekhar and his associates were transporting illegal drugs in two vehicles — a Scorpio and an i20 — when police intercepted them.
While the Scorpio carrying the contraband and three accused were caught, Shekhar and his accomplices in the second vehicle managed to flee.
Following the seizure of the drugs, an FIR (No. 187/2021) under Sections 20, 25, and 29 of the NDPS Act was registered at the Crime Branch Police Station. The investigation led to the arrest of three individuals, who named Shekhar as one of the key conspirators.
Despite multiple efforts, police were unable to trace him, and the court subsequently declared him a Proclaimed Offender on January 19, 2023.
Technical Surveillance Leads to Arrest
Two weeks ago, head constable Ashok Kumar received specific intelligence that Shekhar had returned to his village and was staying at a relative’s home.
Given his history of frequently changing locations to evade capture, a surveillance team was formed. Using technical tracking methods and on-ground intelligence, the team zeroed in on his location in Titoli.
A coordinated operation was launched under the leadership of SI Anil Saroha, with ASI Ashok, ASI Sanjeev, HC Ashok Kumar, and SI Pardeep Godara forming the core team. After sustained monitoring and efforts, Shekhar was finally arrested without incident.
Interrogation Confirms Drug Trafficking Role
During questioning, the accused admitted to his role in the drug supply chain. He confessed that he was part of a group smuggling large quantities of ganja from Andhra Pradesh to Delhi.
His role was to ensure a safe passage for the main vehicle transporting the drugs. On the night of the raid, Shekhar and others were travelling in the i20 to scout the road ahead and alert the Scorpio team of any police presence.
After the police crackdown, while the Scorpio was seized and some accused caught, Shekhar and others managed to escape under the cover of darkness. He remained underground ever since, constantly moving to avoid detection.
Personal Background
Chander Shekhar, son of Late Devender Singh, hails from a modest background. He completed his schooling up to Class 12 in his village and worked as a truck driver in Tosham, Haryana.
Despite a family member serving in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Shekhar chose to participate in the narcotics trade, lured by the promise of quick money.
Legal Proceedings Underway
Following his arrest, Shekhar has been booked under Section 35(1)(D) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS) and will be produced before the court. Further investigation is being carried out by the Anti-Gang Section (AGS) of the Crime Branch in Dwarka.
Case Solved
- FIR No. 187/2021, dated 17.09.2021
- Sections: 20/25/29 NDPS Act
- Crime Branch, Delhi Police
The Delhi Police have reiterated their commitment to continuing action against drug traffickers and absconding offenders. The arrest of Chander Shekhar is a significant step forward in this effort.
