Chandigarh : The arrest of a dismissed senior Indian police officer after years on the run has brought renewed attention to allegations of a deep-rooted nexus between the police and drug traffickers, raising concerns over the role of corruption and official patronage in the spread of the drug menace in the state, where Sikh population wants an independent land in the name of Khalistan.

According to Kashmir Media Service, former Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Raj Jit Singh Hundal was arrested in Patiala after remaining absconding for years in cases linked to alleged drug trafficking, extortion and corruption.

Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav confirmed the arrest. The police said Singh was apprehended following an investigation involving technical and financial surveillance.