Kapurthala: A Punjab Police constable posted with the Jalandhar Commissionerate Police has tested positive in a dope test after he was found allegedly under the influence of drugs in Kapurthala. The incident came to light after a video showing the constable staggering on a roadside went viral on social media.
Police have arrested the accused and registered a case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. He has also been admitted to a government de-addiction centre in Kapurthala for treatment while departmental proceedings have been initiated.
Constable found staggering during police patrol
According to police, a patrol team was conducting routine checking in villages including Dogranwal, Hamira and Lakhan Khola when officers noticed a man in police uniform staggering near the Hamira bridge.
Suspecting that he was under the influence of intoxicating substances, the team questioned him. He identified himself as Constable Jatinderpal Singh, a resident of Jhajjia village in Gurdaspur district, who is currently posted with the Jalandhar Commissionerate Police.
The constable was taken into custody for further examination.
Dope test returns positive; NDPS case filed
Police conducted a dope test on the constable, which reportedly returned positive for narcotic substances. Based on the medical report, Subhanpur Police registered an FIR against him under the relevant provisions of the NDPS Act.
Officials confirmed that the accused has been arrested and shifted to a de-addiction centre in Kapurthala, where he is undergoing treatment.
Departmental action also initiated
Along with the criminal case, the Punjab Police have initiated departmental disciplinary proceedings against the constable.
The incident has drawn attention after the video circulated widely on social media, raising concerns over drug abuse within law enforcement ranks. Police said the matter is being investigated further and appropriate legal as well as departmental action will be taken in accordance with the law.