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Vijender finally gives samples to NADA; Ram Singh arrested
Tribune News Service

New Delhi/Fatehgarh Sahib, April 3
In a double twist to the drug seizure case, India’s Olympic hero Vijender Singh today made himself available for an out-of-competition dope test by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) for heroin use while his sparring partner Ram Singh was arrested for his links to one of the key accused.

The dope tests were apparently conducted in Delhi this morning when Vijender made himself available to give his urine and blood samples. Sports Minister Jitender Singh confirmed the tests and is learnt to have told Vijender to go for rehabilitation, as the boxer allegedly consumed heroin not as a performance-enhancing drug but for “recreation”, though heroin is a prohibited item in the WADA (World Anti Doping Agency) list.

“NADA has taken Vijender’s samples in the morning. The blood and urine samples of Vijender and other boxers have been taken. I will wait for the results before deciding on any action. I don’t want to speculate. But even if Vijender has made a mistake, he should of course be punished or penalised, but after that his rehabilitation should start,” the minister said. “We need to see that our sportspersons are rehabilitated so that they could perform.”

Ram Singh on the other hand was arrested by the Fatehgarh Sahib police for his close links to his brother-in-law Ravicharan Singh, alias Ravi Deol, prime accused in the recent drug seizure case. Deol has already been declared a proclaimed offender in an assault case registered in Sangrur.

Addressing mediapersons late this evening, Fatehgarh Sahib SSP Hardial Singh Mann said after the recovery of drugs and “ice” worth Rs 115 crore from Deol’s parental house in Sangrur, Ram Singh was asked to join investigation again today.

During questioning, it was found that Ram Singh had deeper links with smugglers, which necessitated his custodial interrogation, he added.

Ram Singh is married to Deol’s sister. He had introduced Vijender to Deol, a former boxer, and the latter had given tips on boxing to Vijender. Vijender and Ram Singh had also visited Deol after former’s Beijing Olympics triumph.

Ram Singh has been booked under Sections 21, 61 and 85, NDPS Act, and Sections 25, 54, 59A, 420, 465, 468 and 471, IPC.

on dope trail

Dope tests conducted after Vijender (right) gives urine and blood samples
Sports Minister wants the boxer to go for rehabilitation
Ram Singh (left) arrested for close links to Ravi Deol, prime accused in recent drug seizure case
Deol is Ram Singh’s brother-in-law and a proclaimed offender in an assault case
Number of those arrested in this case now rises to 16