The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) has apprehended Bala, a 64-year-old prominent figure in Chandigarh’s drug trade. This arrest is part of a significant crackdown on narcotics in the region.
Details of the Operation
On Wednesday morning, the ANTF executed a search warrant obtained from the court at Bala’s residence in Sector 38. During the raid, authorities recovered approximately ₹5 lakh in drug-related money and 1.8 grams of heroin. Notably, this marks the first instance in Chandigarh where a search warrant was specifically issued for a narcotics raid. The operation was led by Inspector Rohit Kumar and supervised by Sub-Inspector Suresh Kumar, following a tip-off about Bala’s ongoing drug supply activities while on bail.
Bala’s Criminal History
Bala, often referred to as the “drug queen” of Chandigarh, has a lengthy criminal history that spans over two decades. Her criminal activities began in 1992, with multiple arrests for theft and housebreaking across various police stations. She later transitioned into drug-related offenses and has faced numerous arrests under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act since 2006.
Despite the legal challenges, Bala has demonstrated a notable ability to evade severe penalties, achieving acquittals in nearly 47% of the 35 FIRs filed against her. Many of these acquittals resulted from procedural errors, particularly violations of Section 50 of the NDPS Act, which requires individuals to be informed of their rights during searches.
Ongoing Investigations and Future Proceedings
The latest criminal case against Bala was registered in 2020, with the trial ongoing until 2024. She was acquitted mainly due to procedural lapses concerning the handling of evidence. Additionally, a serious case involving Section 304 of the Indian Penal Code (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) from 2018 is still under investigation.
Bala’s arrest marks a significant step in Chandigarh’s efforts to combat drug trafficking and ensure public safety. The ANTF continues to investigate her activities to dismantle the networks involved in the drug trade.
