US-linked accused among three arrested with charas in Bhuntar

The Bhuntar police have arrested three individuals of Tibetan origin and recovered 28 grams of charas and Rs 4 lakh in cash from their possession. A resident of the United States (US) is among those arrested.

The arrest was made on Monday when a Bhuntar police station team had set up a naka (checkpoint) near Siund on the Bhuntar-Manikaran road. During routine vehicle checking, the police flagged down a car (HP-88-3888). Upon the search of the car, the occupants were identified as Kolden Rigzin (32), a resident of the Kalang Guest House, Mc Leodganj, Dharamsala; Jamyang Tshering, a resident of the US; and Tenzin Kyab, a resident of Yoling School, Jogindra Road, Mc Leodganj, Dharamsala. A thorough search led to the recovery of 28 grams of charas and Rs 4 lakh from the car.

Meanwhile, a speeding vehicle (CH-02AA-7771) hit Jamyang, who was standing on the roadside. The driver of the vehicle fled immediately after the accident. The injured individual was taken to the Regional Hospital, Kullu. The police have initiated action for hit and run.

The police had registered a case against the three accused under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act for the recovery of charas. Besides, a separate case was registered under Section 281, 125(A), and 187 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) related to the accident.

The authorities concerned are now conducting a thorough investigation to determine the source of drugs, the origin of Rs 4 lakh cash and the intended destination of the money.

Kullu SP Madan Lal Kaushal said, “The Bhuntar police acted on a tip-off and intercepted a vehicle. We arrested three individuals and recovered charas and a significant amount of cash. We are interrogating them to unearth a larger network. Our crackdown against drugs will continue.”