Police to question Vijender on drug bust

Punjab police is likely to question Olympic bronze medalist boxer Vijender Singh in connection with a drug-haul case registered by the Fatehgarh Sahib police.

The Olympian's name has come up during investigations following the arrest of an alleged NRI drug smuggler Anoop Singh Kahlon and another man named Kulwinder Singh Rocky with 26 kg of heroin worth Rs 130 crore Thursday.

Police also questioned Ram Singh, another boxer and Vijender's sparring partner who is now a havildar in the Punjab police, in connection with the case. Ram Singh is considered to be an old friend of Kahlon and was allegedly seen with him frequently.

During interrogation, the two suspects are believed to have claimed that they had close links with Vijender and Ram Singh and also allegedly supplied them drugs. Vijender's car, registered in his wife's name, was found parked outside one of the houses allegedly being used by the smugglers, police sources said.

Vijender had reportedly lent his car to Ram Singh, who has now told the police that he had in turn given the car to Kahlon, sources said.

Both Vijender and Ram Singh were training at the National Institute of Sports, Patiala, ahead of an international championship. Ram Singh has not been arrested but has joined investigations in the case, SSP Fatehgarh Sahib Hardayal Singh Mann told reporters.

Reached for his comment, Vijender said he was shocked to hear about the incident.

"Yes, police officials contacted me and I told them the truth. I was in Mumbai since early this week for an event and my car was in Patiala. Ram Singh uses my car when I am not there and he told me that he gave a lift to some fellow boxers from NIS. The car is in my wife's name and she too was surprised to hear about it this morning. I do not know any Anoop Singh and as a police officer myself, I know my responsibilities," he said.

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