BSF Jawan dies during NCB interrogation, PHRO flags custodial torture, demands judicial probe
Amritsar (Punjab), March 22, 2026 (ANI):A Border Security Force (BSF) constable, Jaswinder Singh, died after his health reportedly deteriorated during questioning by the Narcotics Control Bureau in Amritsar, triggering serious allegations from his family and demands for an independent inquiry.
According to police, Jaswinder Singh had been brought in for questioning in connection with a case under investigation by the NCB. Station House Officer of Maqboolpura Police Station, Jagjit Singh, said that his condition worsened during the interrogation. “He was brought in for questioning… his health suddenly deteriorated during the interrogation, leading to his death,” the officer stated.
However, the family of the deceased has strongly contested the official version. They alleged that the BSF jawan was subjected to physical assault while in custody. The family created a protest outside the post-mortem house in Amritsar, demanding justice and action against those responsible.
The deceased’s mother, Gurmeet Kaur, claimed that her son was “beaten to death,” alleging that he was thrashed with belts and shoes. She said that Jaswinder Singh, a resident of Jammu, had been on leave and was picked up by a narcotics team before being taken to Amritsar. The family was informed of his death on the night of March 20.
Demanding strict action, she called for justice and punishment for those involved, stating that the death was not natural but the result of custodial violence.
Meanwhile, police officials reiterated that the NCB was carrying out an investigation and that the death occurred after the constable’s health deteriorated. Authorities said further action would depend on the findings of the ongoing inquiry.
The incident has also drawn concern from the Punjab Human Rights Organization (PHRO), which termed the death “suspicious” and raised the possibility of custodial torture. The organisation questioned the legality of bringing the jawan from Jammu to Amritsar and criticised the lack of communication with the family.
PHRO has demanded a judicial inquiry under the supervision of a High Court judge, along with videography of the post-mortem and investigation by a panel of expert doctors. It further called for registration of a murder case if torture is confirmed, compensation for the family, and dignified transportation of the body to the native place.
The organisation also warned that it would approach national and international human rights bodies if prompt action is not taken.