Ex-NSG Commando Who Fought 26/11 Terrorists Caught With 200 KG Ganga; Arrested

Bajrang Singh, a former NSG commando, has been arrested by Rajasthan Police for allegedly leading a cannabis smuggling operation. Following a failed political career, Singh transitioned to organised crime, smuggling large quantities of cannabis from Telangana and Odisha into Rajasthan.

A former National Security Guard (NSG) commando, Bajrang Singh, was arrested on Wednesday by Rajasthan Police for allegedly leading a cannabis smuggling operation. He was part of the 26/11 anti-terror mission in Mumbai.

Inspector General of Police Vikas Kumar told PTI that Singh was caught with 200 kg of cannabis.

Singh's involvement in drug trafficking reportedly began after his retirement from the NSG in 2021. Following a failed political venture, he turned to organised crime, quickly rising as a significant figure in the illegal trade of cannabis. His operations involved smuggling the substance from Telangana and Odisha into Rajasthan.

Operation Gaanjaney: A Successful Sting

The arrest resulted from a two-month-long operation named 'Operation Gaanjaney', conducted by the state's Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF). A crucial tip about Singh's travel habits led to his capture. He was known to travel with a trusted Odiya cook, and technical intelligence on the cook's relatives helped locate Singh's hideout.

Inspector General Kumar expressed optimism that Singh's arrest would significantly impact the illegal drug trade between Odisha, Telangana, and Rajasthan. The operation aimed to dismantle the network responsible for large-scale cannabis smuggling into the state.

From Commando to Criminal

Bajrang Singh joined the NSG after completing Class 10. His career began with the Border Security Force (BSF), where his physical fitness and dedication were noted by superiors. He served as a BSF constable across various states including Punjab, Assam, Rajasthan, Odisha, and West Bengal.

His exemplary service led to his selection for the NSG, where he served as a commando for seven years. During this time, he played a role in counter-terrorism operations such as the 26/11 Mumbai attacks response in 2008.

Political Aspirations and Downfall

In 2021, Singh returned to his village in Rajasthan with political aspirations. He became an active member of a political party and even supported his wife's candidacy in local elections. However, her defeat marked a turning point for Singh's career path.

The police have revealed that Singh's transition from national security service to criminal activities was swift following his unsuccessful political endeavours. His stature as a major trafficker dealing in large quantities of cannabis emerged shortly thereafter.

Bajrang Singh hailed from Sikar district in Rajasthan and had a bounty of Rs 25,000 on him at the time of his arrest. The authorities hope that capturing such a key figure will deter others involved in similar illegal activities within the region.

With inputs from PTI