Former National Wrestler Arrested in Major Opium Smuggling Case

Arrest of Amit Sheoran

Amit Sheoran, a 31-year-old ex-national-level wrestler, has been apprehended after evading law enforcement since 2023. He was declared a proclaimed offender in a significant opium smuggling investigation.

Details of the Arrest

Sheoran, who won a bronze medal at the 2013 National Cadet wrestling competition, was caught near Madhuban Chowk Metro Station on Tuesday night. His arrest followed a well-coordinated manhunt, and he hails from Rohtak district in Haryana.

Involvement in Opium Smuggling

The Jharkhand Police had been searching for Sheoran in connection with a narcotics case filed at the Dhurwa (Tupudana) police station in Ranchi. He allegedly sourced opium intended for distribution to wrestling training centers (akhadas) in Haryana and Delhi. After his capture, he was transferred to Jharkhand Police for further legal action.

Impact of the Arrest

The Delhi Police Crime Branch characterized this arrest as a significant setback for organized crime, attributing it to ongoing surveillance, strategic intelligence gathering, and coordinated operations against criminals evading justice.

Background and Criminal Links

Sheoran had been on the run since December 6, 2023, when he was officially labeled a proclaimed offender. The investigation gained momentum after the arrest of Rajesh Nag, a supplier from Jharkhand, in April 2023, who confessed that his opium supply was aimed at North Indian wrestlers, naming Sheoran as a key recipient.

Connections to the Wrestling Community

During questioning, Sheoran disclosed alarming connections between sports and drug use. He noted that many wrestlers at the Mehar Singh Akhada in Rohtak and Chhatrasal Stadium in Delhi consumed opium to extend their training sessions.

Path to Criminal Activity

Despite his achievements in wrestling, Sheoran's dreams of joining the Indian Railways were shattered when he was drawn into the drug trade. The Crime Branch reported that he was enticed into drug distribution by an associate named Ranjeet, who promised quick financial gains.

Operation Details

The operation to apprehend Sheoran was initiated based on credible intelligence regarding his whereabouts in the Ranibagh-Pitampura area. On August 18, a joint team from Delhi and Jharkhand Police set a trap near Madhuban Chowk Metro Station, successfully capturing him around 10:00 PM.

Criminal Background

Records show that Sheoran is linked to six criminal cases. Prior to his involvement in drug trafficking, he worked as a bouncer in various bars and nightclubs in Delhi. The Crime Branch highlighted that this arrest is part of a concentrated effort to enhance technical surveillance and human intelligence to dismantle active criminal networks.