Kharar, Mohali, October 24, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has expelled former MLA Satkar Kaur Gehri from the party’s primary membership following her arrest in connection with a drug peddling case. Punjab BJP general secretary Anil Sarin announced the decision on Thursday, stating that the expulsion was carried out under the directives of Punjab BJP Chief Sunil Jakhar. Kaur’s removal from the party comes just a day after she was apprehended by the Punjab Police’s Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) for allegedly attempting to peddle heroin in Kharar, Mohali.
The Arrest of Satkar Kaur Gehri
On Wednesday, former MLA Satkar Kaur Gehri and her nephew, Jaskeerat Singh, were arrested by the Punjab Police’s ANTF near Sunny Enclave in Kharar. The duo was caught with 100 grams of heroin while attempting to sell the illegal substance in a busy market. Jaskeerat Singh, who was driving the car during the operation, is a native of Behbal Khurd village in Ferozepur and currently resides at Kaur’s house in Kharar.
Following their arrest, police conducted a search of Kaur’s residence, where they discovered an additional 28 grams of heroin, along with Rs 1.56 lakh in cash, believed to be proceeds from drug trafficking. Authorities also recovered gold ornaments, multiple vehicle registration plates with Haryana and Delhi numbers, and impounded four luxury vehicles, including a Toyota Fortuner, BMW, Hyundai Verna, and Chevrolet.
Details of the Sting Operation
According to Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sukhchain Singh Gill, the ANTF had received credible intelligence from a source who claimed to have been purchasing drugs from Satkar Kaur. The source provided evidence, including mobile numbers and call recordings, linking Kaur to drug smuggling activities. Acting on this information, the ANTF devised a sting operation to catch the ex-MLA in the act.
A decoy was sent to a predetermined location near Sunny Enclave, where Kaur and her nephew arrived to deliver the drugs. As the transaction took place, ANTF officers swiftly intervened and apprehended both individuals. The two attempted to flee the scene, and in the process, a police officer was injured when Jaskeerat Singh allegedly tried to run him over with the vehicle.
Further Evidence and Implications
The search of Kaur’s residence provided further incriminating evidence. In addition to the heroin and cash found, police impounded luxury vehicles and several vehicle number plates, which further pointed to Kaur’s involvement in extensive illegal activities. The police are continuing their investigation to uncover potential backward and forward linkages related to Kaur’s drug network, and additional arrests are expected in the coming days.
A case has been registered against Kaur and her nephew under sections 21 and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at the Special Task Force (STF) Police Station in SAS Nagar.
Satkar Kaur Gehri’s Political Journey and Fall from Grace
Satkar Kaur Gehri’s arrest marks a significant fall from grace for the former MLA. She represented the Ferozepur Rural constituency in the Punjab Legislative Assembly from 2017 to 2022 as a member of the Congress party. However, in the lead-up to the 2022 Assembly elections, the Congress denied her a ticket, prompting her to switch allegiance to the BJP.
Her expulsion from the BJP following the drug peddling charges underscores the severity of the accusations and the impact they have had on her political career. The party was quick to distance itself from the scandal, with Anil Sarin stating that the BJP has a zero-tolerance policy toward criminal activities, especially in relation to drug trafficking.
Punjab’s Ongoing Battle Against Drug Trafficking
Satkar Kaur Gehri’s arrest is part of Punjab’s broader effort to combat the drug menace that has plagued the state for years. The Anti-Narcotics Task Force has been working intensively to crack down on drug networks and dismantle smuggling operations. The involvement of a former MLA in such illicit activities raises serious concerns about the extent of political connections within the drug trade in Punjab.
IGP Sukhchain Singh Gill reiterated the government’s commitment to rooting out drug trafficking networks and emphasized that no individual, regardless of their position, would be spared if found guilty of involvement in such crimes. The police continue to investigate the case, with more arrests anticipated as the probe unfolds.
Expulsion sends shockwaves across Punjab
The expulsion of former MLA Satkar Kaur Gehri from the BJP following her arrest in a heroin peddling case has sent shockwaves across Punjab’s political and law enforcement circles. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle against drug trafficking in the state, and it highlights the dangers of criminal elements infiltrating political ranks. As the investigation continues, authorities are determined to hold all involved accountable and ensure that justice is served.
 has expelled former MLA Satkar Kaur Gehri from the party's primary membership following her arrest in connection with a drug peddling case. Punjab BJP general secretary Anil Sarin announced the decision on Thursday, stating that the expulsion was carried out under the directives of Punjab BJP Chief Sunil Jakhar. Kaur's removal from the party comes just a day after she was apprehended by the Punjab Police's Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) for allegedly attempting to peddle heroin in Kharar, Mohali.){kind=link}