Tension eased in Pali, Rajasthan, as the family of a slain doda trader agreed to a supervised postmortem, ending a multi-day deadlock at the local morgue. This came after a fierce shootout between narcotics smugglers and anti-drug squad personnel.
Thursday evening tipped off a dramatic pursuit when intel pinpointed two trucks ferrying illicit doda post into the district. Police swiftly mobilized, intercepting the convoy. One truck slipped away, but the other faced a tight police encirclement. Cornered smugglers opened indiscriminate fire, prompting retaliatory shots from law enforcers. A neck wound felled one assailant, who later died in hospital despite emergency care.
The haul included 500 kg of contraband doda post, unlicensed firearms, and ammunition stockpiles. Post-death, grieving kin and supporters blockaded the morgue, crying foul play and insisting on quizzing a captured accomplice. Delays mounted as demands clashed with protocol.
Exhibiting patience, top cops and administrators held extended dialogues, pledging impartial probes. Agreement solidified on Saturday for board-monitored autopsy. Oversight by SDM Siddharth Sandu and a magistrate ensured no shadows of doubt.
Family members witnessed proceedings. Initial mobile X-rays at the morgue drew blanks on the bullet. Hospital-grade imaging followed suit. Resorting to CT scan pinpointed the slug’s location for safe removal ahead of final postmortem steps.
Body handover to the ancestral village is imminent once formalities conclude. This measured handling by officials underscores commitment to due process amid rising narcotics battles, fostering community trust in law enforcement’s resolve.