JAMMU: A man arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in connection with a heroin seizure case escaped from custody in Jammu, prompting security agencies to launch a manhunt and intensify checking across the region.
The accused, identified as Aqib Bashir of Kakapora in Pulwama district, reportedly escaped from NCB custody at Narwal during the intervening night of Sunday and Monday, officials said.
Bashir was arrested by the NCB on September 3 after 522 grams of heroin was allegedly recovered from his possession during the interception of a passenger bus near the New Bus Stand in Samba district.
Following the escape, police and security agencies stepped up frisking and vehicle checks at key entry and exit points, while search teams were deployed at multiple locations to trace the accused.
Officials said several teams have been constituted and nakas established in and around Jammu as part of the search operation.
An inquiry is also expected into the circumstances surrounding the escape and the alleged security lapse that enabled the accused to flee from custody.
According to officials, Bashir’s arrest was part of a month-long NCB operation targeting heroin trafficking networks in Jammu and Kashmir. The investigation had reportedly uncovered two suspected trafficking routes, one through Punjab and another through the Uri sector.
The NCB has so far seized 6.920 kg of heroin and arrested six accused persons in four interceptions in Jammu division and a linked recovery in Punjab.
In the Samba case, investigators had traced the supply chain to Ludhiana, where a follow-up operation led to the recovery of an additional 197 grams of heroin, taking the linked seizure to 719 grams.
Efforts to trace and apprehend the escaped accused were continuing at the time of filing this report. (KNT)
