The mysterious death of a Border Security Force (BSF) jawan in custody in Punjab has triggered strong protests in Jammu, with his family members alleging foul play, even as the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Monday claimed that the deceased died of cardiac arrest.
The BSF jawan, identified as Jaswinder Singh, was in NCB custody and had been shifted to Amritsar after being arrested from his residence in Jammu in connection with an alleged drug smuggling case.
According to reports, Jaswinder Singh, who was posted in Jammu, was arrested on March 3 from his residence while on leave and later taken to Amritsar by the NCB.
Police said that during interrogation, Singh's condition suddenly deteriorated, following which he was rushed to a hospital, where he died during treatment on Friday night. His post-mortem was conducted at the Civil Hospital in Amritsar on Saturday, and the final report is awaited.
In an official clarification issued on Monday, the NCB stated, "Jaswinder Singh, son of Avtar Singh, a resident of New Diwangarh, Chakroi, R.S. Pura, Jammu, was arrested by the NCB Jammu unit on March 3, 2026, in connection with his role in Crime No. 26/24, pertaining to the seizure of a commercial quantity of heroin."
The agency further claimed that Singh's brother, Pupinder Singh, had already been arrested in the same case. "Pupinder Singh is a habitual offender, with six NDPS cases registered against him in Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir," the NCB said.
The NCB handout also stated that on March 12, 2026, Jaswinder Singh was formally arrested in another case (CR-22/2024) related to the seizure of a commercial quantity of Tramadol. His custody in this case was extended periodically—from March 13 to March 17, then till March 18, and subsequently for six days from March 18 to March 23.
According to the NCB, Singh's arrest was based on technical evidence indicating his alleged contact with drug smugglers based in Pakistan, Punjab, and Jammu.
"Based on the investigation, he was taken to Amritsar on the evening of March 19, 2026, for further questioning. The same day, he complained of chest pain and was immediately admitted to Pulse Hospital, Amritsar. He suffered two cardiac events and died on the morning of March 20, 2026," the NCB said.
The agency added that, in compliance with protocols laid down by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Supreme Court of India, it has initiated inquest proceedings through a Judicial Magistrate, along with a magisterial inquiry, post-mortem examination, and intimation to the NHRC through local police.
Family stages protest, demands probe
Following his death, family members of Jaswinder Singh staged protests in the R.S. Pura area of Jammu, raising slogans and alleging that he had been falsely implicated and subjected to torture during custody.
The protesters demanded a fair and transparent investigation into the incident and warned of intensifying their agitation if justice was not delivered.
Punjab NGO seeks judicial inquiry
Meanwhile, the Punjab Human Rights Organisation (PHRO) has demanded a high-level judicial inquiry into what it termed the "suspicious" custodial death of the BSF jawan.
Expressing concern, the organisation described the incident as a "serious case of custodial torture" and a possible violation of human rights.
In a statement, the PHRO questioned the circumstances surrounding Singh's arrest and his transfer to Amritsar, alleging that his family was not adequately informed.
The organisation also highlighted allegations by the family regarding physical assault and mental harassment during custody.
