10 more held in crackdown on Sonu gang

In a significant breakthrough against the Sonu gang, an interstate drug trafficking network, police have arrested 10 more members involved in the sale and distribution of chitta (heroin) across various locations in Shimla district.

According to Rampur SDPO Naresh Sharma, the accused were traced through backward linkages and financial transactions connecting them to the gang’s kingpin, Sohan Lal, alias Sonu. Police teams were deployed to multiple locations to arrest the suspects, who had reportedly transferred drug money to Sonu’s account.

The arrested individuals include Ritik Jishtu, a 24-year-old resident of Khadahan village in Nankhari, Shimla, and Pushpender, a 31-year-old from Dhanah village in Nirmand, Kullu. Among others arrested were Digamber Singh (32) from Bhaira village, Kumarsain; Pawan Chhetri (30) from Duttnagar, Rampur; and Vipul (25) from Virgarh village, Kumarsain. The police also took into custody Shashi Kumar (31) from Dharunja village, Nankhari; Hani Lal (32) from Seri Majhali village, Rampur; Dheeraj Sharma (29) from Gaso village, Rampur; Raman Kaith (32) from Mandhog village, Rampur; and Dharam Singh, alias Kaku Soni, from Nirmand, Kullu.

The gang was first exposed on March 3.