A Punjab Police Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) has been suspended after hidden-camera footage allegedly showed him planting heroin at the residence of Shiv Sena leader Mahant Kashmir Giri in Khanna, Punjab.
The incident came to light on November 1, 2026, prompting police authorities to release Giri from custody and constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the alleged misconduct.
CCTV Footage Exposes Alleged Drug Planting
According to reports, CCTV footage from Giri's residence showed ASI Sukhdev Singh entering a room alone in civilian clothes before allegedly placing a packet beneath a mattress.
Shortly afterwards, a police team reportedly entered the same room, conducted a search and claimed to have recovered approximately 30 grams of heroin from that location. Giri was subsequently arrested in connection with the alleged drug recovery.
The footage, captured by a hidden camera installed inside the house, later raised serious questions about the circumstances surrounding the recovery.
Driver's Arrest Led to Police Raid
The case initially began with the arrest of Giri's driver, Gurjant Singh, alias Janta, who was reportedly caught with 7.5 grams of heroin.
During interrogation, the driver's alleged disclosures led police to investigate Giri's involvement. Subsequently, a police team conducted a raid at his residence, where the disputed recovery took place.
ASI Suspended, SIT Formed
After the footage surfaced and circulated on social media, Khanna SSP Dr Darpan Ahluwalia ordered the immediate suspension of ASI Sukhdev Singh and initiated departmental proceedings.
A Special Investigation Team headed by SP Harpinder Gill was also constituted to examine the incident and determine whether other police personnel were involved.
Questions Raised Over Police Accountability
Following the controversy, Mahant Kashmir Giri was released from custody. Police officials stated that misconduct by personnel involved in anti-drug operations would not be tolerated. The investigation is now focused on establishing how the alleged planting occurred, the involvemen