Akali leader's associate held for drug peddling in Phillaur

JALANDHAR: Jalandhar (rural) police have arrested Manjit Singh Billa, a close associate of Phillaur-based SAD leader Gurmel Singh Bhola, in an NDPS Act case for possessing 110gm of white powder. Bhola was also questioned by police a few days ago but was released after several hours following political pressure.
Billa was arrested on Friday after white powder was recovered from him. Police officers said that Billa's brother was a drug peddler and he bought and supplied narcotics.The peddler would keep drugs in "safe custody" of Billa as he enjoyed political patronage, said cops. According to sources, Billa was a close confidant of Bhola who was an aide to SAD's MLA from Phillaur and chief parliamentary secretary Avinash Chander. After Bhola was released by police, Avinash had said that he was a dedicated worker of Akali Dal and had not done anything wrong, and that some elements were conspiring against him.
During the recent crackdown on drug peddlers, police have booked several persons who were not touched earlier, said sources.