Inside Operation Gaanjaney: How ATS caught ex-commando turned drug kingpin
- October 4, 2025
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Rajasthan’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested former National Security Guard (NSG) commando Bajrang Singh, who was wanted in connection with a 200-kilogram ganja smuggling case. Singh, once part of the elite force that took part in the 26/11 Mumbai operation, was tracked for nearly two months before being apprehended under “Operation Gaanjaney.”
The ATS launched an extensive operation to locate Singh after uncovering his alleged involvement in a large-scale narcotics network. Using a combination of technical surveillance and human intelligence, investigators followed his movements across multiple locations. The pursuit culminated in his arrest, marking one of the most significant breakthroughs in the state’s ongoing fight against drug trafficking.
Bajrang Singh had served with distinction as part of the NSG and was among those deployed during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. After retiring from service in 2021, he reportedly attempted to enter politics but failed to gain traction. According to investigators, it was after these unsuccessful political efforts that Singh allegedly turned toward illegal activities, leveraging his local influence and contacts to build a narcotics distribution network.
The ATS codenamed the mission “Operation Gaanjaney,” focusing on dismantling the supply chain responsible for moving large quantities of ganja across state lines. Officers relied on advanced tracking tools and informant networks to gather intelligence about Singh’s operations. The operation required meticulous coordination between field units and technical teams, ensuring that every lead was verified before action was taken.
Authorities revealed that approximately 200 kilograms of ganja were linked to the case involving Singh’s network. The contraband was reportedly being transported through multiple routes to avoid detection. Investigators believe that Singh’s background in tactical operations may have helped him design methods to evade law enforcement for an extended period before his eventual capture.
Sources within the investigation indicated that Singh’s shift from public service to criminal enterprise stemmed partly from his failed political ambitions. His familiarity with local communities and administrative systems allegedly enabled him to establish connections that later facilitated illegal trade activities. The ATS is now probing whether others were involved or benefited from his network’s operations.
The arrest of Bajrang Singh under Operation Gaanjaney underscores Rajasthan ATS’s growing reliance on intelligence-driven policing methods to combat organized crime and narcotics trafficking. Officials have stated that further investigations are underway to trace financial links and identify additional members associated with the smuggling ring. The case also highlights how individuals with specialized training can misuse their expertise when diverted from legitimate pursuits, posing complex challenges for law enforcement agencies across India.