From Hero to Villain: Former NSG Commando Who Fought 26/11 Terrorists Arrested as Drug Kingpin

Jaipur:

Authorities have apprehended a former National Security Guard (NSG) commando implicated in a drug trafficking operation. Bajrang Singh, who previously participated in counter-terrorism efforts during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, has been identified by Rajasthan Police as the mastermind behind a marijuana smuggling network. Officials confirmed his arrest on Wednesday evening in Churu.

According to Inspector General of Police Vikas Kumar, Singh orchestrated the transportation of marijuana from Telangana and Odisha into Rajasthan. At the time of his capture, authorities discovered 200 kg of the illicit substance in his possession. A native of Sikar district, Singh had been under surveillance due to his illegal activities and had a Rs 25,000 bounty on his capture.

Officials revealed that Singh's arrest came after an extensive two-month investigation under 'Operation Gaanjaney,' a joint effort by the state's Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF).

Bajrang's Military Background

Singh discontinued his education after completing Class 10. However, his imposing six-foot stature and physical capabilities enabled him to secure a position with the Border Security Force (BSF). During his BSF tenure as a constable, he served across multiple states including Punjab, Assam, Rajasthan, Odisha, and West Bengal, where he protected national borders against intruders and combated Maoist insurgents.

His commitment to national security caught the attention of his superiors, resulting in his selection for the elite NSG counter-terrorism unit. He served as a commando for seven years, during which he participated in the counter-terrorism response to the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

By 2021, according to police reports, Singh had developed political aspirations. He returned to his Rajasthan village and became actively involved with a political organization. He even supported his wife's candidacy in local elections, though she was unsuccessful.

From Protector to Criminal

Bajrang Singh exemplifies the tragic transformation of a once-dedicated national defender who corrupted his principles and became involved in drug trafficking operations.

During his political involvement, Singh established connections with individuals having criminal associations. Through one such contact, he learned about the financial opportunities in the marijuana trade. Leveraging his knowledge of Odisha and experiences from his BSF service, he reactivated old connections in Odisha and Telangana, building relationships with those engaged in illegal activities. Within just one year, he ascended to a leadership position within the marijuana distribution network.

Drug Trafficking Operations

Singh specialized in high-volume transactions, taking on dangerous assignments involving the interstate transport of hundreds of kilograms of marijuana. His activities resulted in numerous legal cases against him, including one in his native Sikar district after authorities recovered substantial quantities of the controlled substance from his possession.

In 2023, authorities detained him near Hyderabad for smuggling 200 kilograms of marijuana.

The Investigation and Capture

ATS and ANTF teams had been investigating Singh for two months, seeking connections to the marijuana trafficking leadership. Despite Singh's efforts to conceal his identity, investigators eventually identified him as a person of interest. He continued to evade capture by using fraudulent mobile identifications and hiding in isolated rural areas.

Investigators ultimately tracked Singh through his personal chef. This trusted household employee, uninvolved in Singh's illegal operations, inadvertently provided crucial information. By analyzing communications between the chef and his family members, the technical intelligence team uncovered evidence pointing to Ratangarh in Churu. Further investigation revealed Singh's potential hiding locations.

The investigation culminated on Wednesday when officers identified Singh traveling by motorcycle. Recognizing the potential danger in confronting a former commando directly, they maintained surveillance as he moved between various hideouts. Only after careful planning did they execute a coordinated raid.

"This arrest represents the culmination of extensive planning and intelligence collaboration. Apprehending a seasoned operative like Bajrang marks a significant accomplishment in disrupting the terror-narcotics connection in Rajasthan," stated IGP Kumar.