Addictive drug found in killer’s blood samples

Our Correspondent

Kharar, June 8

The chemical examination of the viscera and blood samples of Balwinder Singh, the accused in Neha Shoree murder case, has revealed presence of tramadol, a habit-forming drug.

During the postmortem examination of Balwinder’s body at the Civil Hospital, part of small and large intestines, heart and lung, liver, kidney and blood samples were sent to laboratory for testing.

The Kharar police have received the report from the chemical examiner’s office. According to information, the report concluded that tramadol was detected in small and large intestines, heart, lung, liver, kidney and blood.

Tramadol is an opioid (narcotic analgesic) and is available on prescription only.

Neha Shoree, Zonal Licensing Authority, was shot dead at her office in the Food and Drug Administration building here on March 29. After allegedly killing the drug officer, the accused Balwinder Singh of Morinda, shot himself when he was chased down while fleeing.

Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh had handed over the investigation in this case to the Director, Bureau of Investigation, Prabodh Kumar.

A team of the Bureau of Investigation had visited the office of the Food and Drug Administration here in April. Further investigation in the case is under way.

Case chronology

• March 29: Drug officer Neha Shoree shot dead at her office in Kharar by Balwinder Singh, who later shot himself after being nabbed by some persons. As old animosity was said to be the motive, the Punjab Police constituted a four-member SIT to probe the murder
• April 4: Punjab Government formed another SIT, headed by IGP, Ropar Range, V Neeraja, and comprising Mohali SSP HS Bhullar, Ropar SSP Swapan Sharma, Ropar ADC (General) Jagwinder Singh Grewal and Assistant Drug Controller Sanjeev Garg for further investigation.
• April 10: Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh handed over probe to Punjab ADGP Prabodh Kumar, Director, Bureau of Investigation.