NCB detains gangster Bhagwanpuria, shifts him from Bathinda to Assam jail

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has detained gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, who is also an accused in the Sidhu Moosewala murder case, under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act, 1988, for one year.

He was shifted to Silchar Jail in Assam on Saturday evening, sources said. A heavy posse of the Punjab Police and NCB officials brought him from the Bathinda high security jail to Chandigarh Airport on Saturday evening and took him to Silchar.

Bhagwanpuria, whose real name is Jagdeep Singh, is the first Punjab gangster to be detained under the PIT-NDPS Act. He is one of the key conspirators in the Moosewala killing case, in which he provided two shooters and logistic support. A former kabaddi player, Bhagwanpuria also ran some kabaddi leagues from the jail earlier. He has been linked with Akali and Congress leaders in the past.

About PIT-NDPS Act

The Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act is a preventive detention law aimed at curbing illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. It empowers the Central and state governments to detain individuals suspected of engaging in such activities. The detention can last up to two years, depending on the severity of the case.

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A native of Bhagwanpur village in Gurdaspur, Bhagwanpuria was involved in cross-border drug smuggling. The sources said he allegedly continued to orchestrate drug trafficking, extortion and violent activities via encrypted communication and an extensive network of operatives even during his prolonged imprisonment.

His criminal dossier is staggering, with 128 cases, including 12 under the NDPS Act, registered against him.

The sources said the PIT-NDPS was slapped on him after a detailed investigation uncovered evidence of his jail-based operations, revealing his use of smuggled mobile devices to coordinate supply chains through associates. Testimonies of some of his co-accused have further confirmed his leadership role in Punjab’s illicit drug trade.

Intelligence reports have indicated Bhagwanpuria's involvement with Pakistan-based suppliers and international networks in Canada and the US.

Following a directive from the Union Joint Secretary issued on March 21, the NCB shifted him immediately from the Bathinda jail to Silchar Central Jail in Assam. The move seeks to break his powerful grip on criminal networks flourishing in Punjab and nearby regions, the sources added.