Serial offender, History Sheeter and clinical Criminal Navjot Singh Alias “Bablu” Arrested.

A big crime averted, Swift Action by Jammu Police.

||Black and White Digital News||

||Parvinder Singh ,27-05-2024 ||

In a dramatic and meticulously planned operation, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have successfully apprehended Navjot Singh, a notorious criminal known for his violent and illicit activities, in the R.S. Pura area of Jammu. This high-stakes arrest demonstrates the J&K Police’s unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order and curbing crime in the region.

**Dramatic Arrest of Navjot Singh Alias Babblu**

Navjot Singh, also known as Babblu, son of Amar Singh, from Indira Nagar, Miran Sahib, was taken into custody while carrying a deadly sharp-edged weapon, locally known as a “toka.” This swift action took place under the jurisdiction of the R.S. Pura Police Station, resulting in the registration of FIR No. 108/2024 U/S 4/25 Arms Act. Singh’s arrest marks a significant victory in the ongoing battle against crime in the area.

**A Career Criminal with a Violent Past**

Navjot Singh’s criminal record is extensive and alarming. He is infamous in police circles, particularly at the Police Station in Miran Sahib, where he is listed as a history-sheeter. Singh’s criminal activities date back years and include multiple offenses ranging from violent crimes to drug trafficking. In 2016, he was arrested by the Hiranagar police for possession of 500 grams of narcotic substance (charas), highlighting his deep entrenchment in criminal networks.

**Persistent Defiance of the Law**

Despite facing numerous FIRs and legal actions, Singh has shown a relentless defiance of the law. His latest arrest with a sharp-edged weapon underscores his continued involvement in criminal activities, posing a grave threat to public safety. Previously, Singh was detained under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (PIT NDPS) by an order from the Divisional Commissioner of Jammu. However, this did not deter him from returning to his criminal ways.

**Commendable Police Effort**

The arrest was executed by a dedicated team from the R.S. Pura Police Station, led by SHO Bhupinder Singh. Their operation was carried out under the close supervision of SDPO R.S. Pura, Nikhil Gogna, and SP Headquarters I H Rather, showcasing exemplary coordination and strategy. The overall supervision of SSP Jammu, Dr. Vinod Kumar, was crucial in ensuring the success of this high-risk operation. The local community has widely praised the police for their firm and decisive action against such a notorious criminal.

**Legal Proceedings and Judicial Review**

Navjot Singh’s arrest and previous preventive detention have been subject to judicial scrutiny. Singh filed a petition challenging the detention order No. 13 of 2021, issued on 15.11.2021 by the District Magistrate of Jammu. Singh’s legal counsel argued that the detention order was issued without due consideration and failed to follow procedural safeguards, such as explaining the grounds of detention in a language he understood and providing all relevant documents.

The petition highlighted significant delays in the execution of the detention order, which were not adequately explained by the respondents. Navjot Singh had already been granted bail for several FIRs mentioned in the grounds of detention, a fact ignored by the Detaining Authority. These procedural lapses and the non-application of mind were pivotal points in Singh’s legal challenge.

**Court’s Findings**

Upon review, the court found substantial merit in Singh’s arguments. The grounds of detention lacked reference to his bail status, indicating a mechanical approach by the Detaining Authority. Additionally, the unexplained delay of more than four months in passing the detention order, followed by a further five months in its execution, suggested a lack of urgency and undermined the Detaining Authority’s claim of necessity for preventive custody.

Citing precedent cases, the court concluded that such delays and procedural errors rendered the detention order unsustainable. Consequently, the court quashed the impugned detention order and directed Navjot singh immediate release from preventive detention, provided he was not required for any other case.

**The Need for Stricter Preventive Laws**

This case underscores the urgent need to make the Public Safety Act (PSA) more stringent. Hardcore criminals like Navjot Singh have learned to exploit legal loopholes to get the PSA quashed. The time has come for legislative reforms to ensure that such notorious elements cannot easily escape the long arm of the law. Ensuring that preventive detention orders are executed promptly and with due diligence is critical in maintaining public safety and confidence in the judicial system.

**Community Response**

The local community has expressed strong support for the police’s actions. The swift and decisive arrest of Navjot Singh is seen as a significant step towards enhancing safety and reducing criminal activities in the area. The coordinated efforts of the police, under the strategic leadership of SSP Dr. Vinod Kumar, have been particularly appreciated.

**Conclusion**

This high-stakes arrest by the J&K Police showcases their unwavering resolve to tackle crime head-on. The apprehension of a notorious criminal like Navjot Singh is a testament to their dedication and strategic prowess in maintaining law and order in Jammu. As the community celebrates this victory, it also calls for more robust measures to prevent such criminals from slipping through legal gaps in the future.