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SBI loan manager held in Chitta smuggling case, Punjab supplier link confirmed
Shimla, Apr 17,
A SBI loan manager was held in a Chitta smuggling case. The probe into the narcotics matter registered at Jubbal police station took a significant turn with the arrest of a State Bank of India (SBI) employee, exposing a wider interstate drug trafficking network operating in Himachal Pradesh.
Police on April 16 arrested accused Tarun Thakur (33), a resident of Chogtali village in Sirmaur district, under Section 29 of the NDPS Act for his alleged role in facilitating the illegal trade of chitta (heroin). Thakur, who is posted as a Loan Manager/Field Officer at SBI in Rohru, is suspected to have played a key role in linking local distribution channels with interstate suppliers.
According to investigators, Thakur was in direct contact with the main supplier identified as Lucas alias Lucky, a resident of Amritsar. The probe has also unearthed digital financial transactions between the two, strengthening evidence of an organised narcotics network with defined supply chains and monetary trails.
The case dates back to February 9, 2026, when a local women was arrested with 13.46 grams of chitta. Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of the alleged kingpin, Lucas alias Lucky, on March 17. Acting on further leads, police arrested three more accused—Ashish alias Gandhi, Manoj Thakur alias Sunny, and Khushi Ram alias Kush—on April 6, establishing forward linkages in the distribution network.
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With the latest arrest, the total number of accused in the case has risen to six. Officials stated that the investigation has revealed a well-organised interstate syndicate involving suppliers from Punjab and local operatives in Himachal, with structured financial transactions enabling the trade.
Police said the arrest of the SBI official marks a crucial breakthrough in dismantling the network, which had both supply and distribution arms operating in coordination.
The accused was produced before a competent court on Friday, and further investigation is underway to identify additional links and financial conduits in the network.
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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.