Tricity
Drug peddler escapes police custody after assaulting officers with chilli powder
Around 6 pm, police attempting to recover heroin from a suspect’s home in Chandigarh saw the accused throw chilli powder, causing a brief disruption before he fled custody.
The incident unfolded around 6 pm in a residential locality of Chandigarh, where police officers were conducting a targeted operation to recover heroin allegedly concealed at the home of a 30‑year‑old man identified as Deepak Thapa. According to the report, Thapa had been taken to his residence under police custody as part of the effort to locate the suspected drugs.
During the operation, officers were focused on searching the premises when Thapa suddenly hurled a handful of chilli powder toward the officers. The irritant caused a momentary disturbance, prompting the policemen to pause their search. In the confusion, the suspect managed to break free from his restraints and fled the scene.
Authorities later confirmed that the operation was part of an ongoing crackdown on drug trafficking in the region. Officials noted that the suspect’s alleged possession of heroin made him a priority in the local police’s anti‑narcotics drive. The use of chilli powder, a common irritant, briefly hampered the officers’ ability to maintain control, allowing Thapa to escape.
While the exact method by which Thapa escaped after the powder was thrown has not been detailed, the episode underscores the risks faced by law‑enforcement personnel during high‑tension arrests. Police officials have lodged a formal complaint regarding the assault on duty, though no further procedural steps have been publicly disclosed.
The episode adds to a series of recent incidents in Chandigarh where drug‑related arrests have encountered unexpected obstacles. Local police have been repeatedly pressed to improve custody protocols and ensure the safety of officers during such operations. The incident is likely to prompt a review of how suspects are escorted and the measures taken to prevent similar escapes.
In the aftermath, investigators are expected to intensify efforts to locate Thapa and recover the suspected heroin. The case remains under active investigation, with police continuing to examine evidence gathered at the residence and reviewing any surveillance footage that may aid in tracking the fugitive.
Overall, the episode highlights the challenges of executing drug‑related arrests in densely populated urban areas and the need for robust security measures during the transport and handling of suspects.
Source: Hindustan Times
