Smuggling – Two Suspects Die After Jumping From Chambal Bridge During Police Chase
Smuggling – Two men accused of being involved in an alleged narcotics smuggling operation lost their lives after jumping from a bridge over the Chambal River while trying to escape a police pursuit in Rajasthan’s Kota district. According to officials, the incident occurred during a coordinated enforcement drive aimed at preventing the movement of illegal substances along a key transport route.
Police Chase Ends Near Chambal River
The incident took place on Tuesday near Mandavra village, which falls under the jurisdiction of Budadit Police Station in Kota Rural. Police said the suspects were travelling from Kota towards Delhi using the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway when they encountered a checkpoint established as part of an ongoing anti-smuggling campaign.
Authorities stated that officers had intensified vehicle inspections under “Operation Route Clearance” to monitor and intercept the illegal transportation of narcotics and other prohibited goods. During the operation, a car carrying a Uttar Pradesh registration number allegedly ignored the barricades and accelerated away, leading police to begin a pursuit.
Contraband Recovered During Escape Attempt
Investigators said that while attempting to flee, the occupants of the vehicle allegedly threw several sacks onto the roadside. A subsequent search led to the recovery of nine bags containing approximately 117 kilograms of poppy husk, also known as doda chura.
Kota Rural Superintendent of Police Sujit Shankar said the recovered material has been seized as part of the investigation. Police believe the suspects were attempting to dispose of the contraband to avoid being linked to the alleged smuggling operation during the chase.
Fatal Jump From the Bridge
According to officials, the two men eventually abandoned their vehicle near the Chambal River bridge at Mandavra village. In an apparent effort to avoid arrest, they jumped from the bridge.
Police said there was very little water beneath the bridge at the time. Instead of landing in the river, both men reportedly fell onto a rocky and uneven surface nearly 100 feet below. The impact caused severe injuries, and responding officers found them dead when they reached the location.
The deceased have been identified as Raj Singh, a resident of Safipur Kalan village in Punjab’s Sangrur district, and Chain Singh Lodha, who belonged to the Harnavda Jhinijhini police station area in Rajasthan’s Baran district.
Investigation Teams Examine the Scene
Following the incident, senior police officials, including Additional Superintendent of Police Ramkalyan Meena and Deputy Superintendent of Police Omprakash, visited the site to oversee the investigation. Teams from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and the Mobile Crime Unit also examined the area, collected physical evidence, and documented the scene as part of the inquiry.
Authorities shifted the bodies to Sultanpur Hospital, where post-mortem examinations will be conducted in accordance with legal procedures.
Probe Into Alleged Smuggling Network Continues
Police have registered a case and are continuing their investigation into the suspected smuggling network connected to the seized consignment of 117 kilograms of poppy husk. Officials are working to determine the origin of the recovered narcotics, its intended destination, and whether additional individuals were involved in the alleged operation.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police have indicated that further action will depend on the findings gathered during the course of the inquiry.