Seizure of 197 kg-heroin: Arrest warrant issued against Anwar Masih as he fails to surrender

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, August 3

The court of Additional Sessions Judge Pushpinder Singh on Tuesday issued arrest warrant against former Punjab Subordinate Staff Selection Board member Anwar Masih in connection with the seizure of 197kg-heroin by the Special Task Force in January last year.

Three days ago, the court had rejected his bail and asked him to surrender before court on August 3. Nevertheless, he failed to appear in court and his lawyer reportedly demanded extension of period for surrendering on health grounds.

An STF official said they would collect the arrest warrant from court on Wednesday and arrest Masih.

The STF had arrested Masih in the seizure of 197kg of heroin from a residential complex allegedly belonging to him last year. He was out on interim bail citing health problems.

The court had earlier rejected his application of getting regular bail and asked him to surrender in Amritsar Central Jail. Following this, he filed an application before the court seeking 10 more days to surrender.

On July 14, Masih attempted suicide, when he along with several Christian organisations were protesting against the alleged harassment by a former AIG and three DSP-rank officials of the STF. They were demanding quashing of case registered against him in connection with the seizure of contraband from the residential building in Akash Avenue located in Sultanwind village on January 31, 2020.

As the building belonged to Anwar Masih, the STF booked him under Section 25 of the NDPS Act (owner of the place where drug trade is being carried out is responsible for the premises). The STF had seized 197-kg heroin and narcotics material and arrested around 20 persons, including an Afghan national, in the case. Masih had claimed that he had sold the house and was unaware about any drug factory being run from the premises.