M A I N   N E W S

Police alleges Vijender met key accused Kahlon several times
  But finds no evidence to link boxer with drug peddling
  Suspects he could have been a user
Jangveer Singh/TNS

Chandigarh, March 12
Punjab Police investigations into the multi-crore heroin seizure has so far not found any evidence that international boxer Vijender Singh assisted in peddling of heroin or transporting it in any form. The investigating team is also veering to the view that Vijender's sparring partner Ram Singh, who is in police custody, had complete knowledge of the smuggling activities of the heroin gang.

However, there is a growing suspicion by the investigating team that Vijender may have experimented with the drug himself. The suspicions arise out of the mobile phone routing of Vijender's phone. An investigating team member said Ram Singh was fond of linking places and incidents with dates.

An investigating member said Ram Singh had linked a drug 'pickup' from the residence of prime accused Anoop Kahlon in Zirakpur on a day of a television interview given by Vijender in Delhi. The police has linked up the time of the 'pickup' with the phone routing of Vijender's car while travelling from Delhi to Patiala via Zirakpur. But here was the catch: normally, one does not travel to Zirakpur while travelling from Delhi to Patiala with the road taking a detour from Ambala.

According to the police report, this was not the only episode where Vijender visited Kahlon. These visits allegedly occurred on February 12-13 and February 27-28. The police suspects that on these visits Vijender and Ram Singh allegedly picked up drugs from Kahlon for personal consumption.

According to the investigations, Ram Singh first took a heroin dose from Kahlon's associate Rocky on December 20. He sniffed the dose himself but did not like the experience as it resulted in nausea. However after a few days he alleged that he shared the 'adventure' with Vijender at the NIS, Patiala.

Vijender has steadfastly denied any drug consumption. That is why the police wants a sample of the boxer's hair to verify his claim. This testing is to be done through a certified laboratory only. The police is now also examining how it can proceed legally to get the boxer's hair sample tested.

Vijender was not contactable despite repeated efforts by The Tribune team to get his comments. It may be stated that he has so far denied any connection with Kahlon and also denied using the drug.