Prime Minister Indira Gandhi addressing the nation from the Doordarshan studio during Emergency. (Express Archive Photo)New Zealand’s largest media organisation has named the nephew of Satwant Singh, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s assassin, in a Rs 180-crore (NZ$36 million) drug trail, tipped as the country’s biggest ever methamphetamine bust.The report, published in Stuff on Saturday, comes after Satwant Singh’s nephew, Baltej Singh, quietly withdrew his bid to retain permanent name suppression, a protection granted by a New Zealand court that had prevented domestic media from identifying him.Stuff report said Baltej Singh is serving a 22-year prison sentence after admitting importing more than 700kg of methamphetamine, the largest amount ever seized by New Zealand authorities.He was granted permanent name suppression after his lawyer, Ron Mansfield K C, argued that Baltej Singh and his family would face extreme hardship and be in danger if he was named, Stuff said.Baltej Singh’s name had been in circulation outside New Zealand since at least April 2023, when Indian media first identified him following his arrest. A detailed investigation by a Canadian broadcaster in October 2025 further amplified global attention on the case. By then, legal experts say, the suppression order had lost practical relevance, as it held no jurisdiction beyond New Zealand.Baltej Singh’s family background has drawn particular attention. He is the nephew of Satwant Singh, one of the two bodyguards who assassinated former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984 in the aftermath of Operation Bluestar. The family later migrated to New Zealand, where they initially ran a small grocery business in Auckland before accumulating substantial wealth over the years.Authorities allege Baltej Singh orchestrated a sophisticated drug importation network, disguising liquid methamphetamine shipments as everyday beverages. These included kombucha from the United States, coconut water from India, and nearly 29,000 cans of a Canadian beer brand. The operation came to light after the death of a 21-year-old man in March 2023, who consumed meth-laced liquid from one such can.Story continues below this adInvestigators had traced the supply chain to a storage facility in Auckland, where approximately 700 kilograms of liquid methamphetamine were seized. Baltej Singh was arrested at Auckland Airport while attempting to board a flight to Dubai.He was later sentenced to 22 years in prison on charges including importing methamphetamine, ephedrine, and cocaine. A co-accused, who distributed the contaminated cans, was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 21 years.Kanchan Vasdev is a Senior Assistant Editor in The Indian Express’ Punjab bureau. She is a highly experienced journalist with 22 years of expertise covering high-stakes politics, governance, and social issues in Northern India. Professional Background Role: Primary reporter covering the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), government policies, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership in the state. Experience: She previously worked with The Tribune and has played a key role in launching various city editions. Special Projects: Abandoned Brides: Authored a monograph on brides abandoned by NRIs as part of the Prabha Dutt Memorial Fellowship. Environment: Worked as a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) fellow, focusing on the pollution levels in the Satluj river. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reporting focuses on the legislative strategies and political maneuvers of the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government: 1. Legislative & Governance Standoffs "Punjab govt advances special Assembly session to pass resolution against VB-G RAM G Bill" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the state's move to block the Centre's "Viksit Bharat" mission, which the state claims will undermine MGNREGA. "Punjab govt doubles down on special sessions, sixth in January" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing the AAP government's use of special sessions as a legislative tool amid tensions with the Governor. "Punjab asks 'VIP teachers' working near Chandigarh to go back to border districts" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on CM Mann's move to end the practice of influential teachers avoiding postings in remote areas. 2. Political Analysis & Rural Polls "Punjab rural polls: Why Akalis are likened to dinosaurs in Punjab" (Dec 19, 2025): Analyzing CM Bhagwant Mann's rhetoric against the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) following local body elections. "AAP claims win in 78% Punjab zila parishads as counting continues" (Dec 18, 2025): Breaking down the results of the 2025 rural elections. "Rahul Gandhi and Sidhu alike, says Bhagwant Mann" (Dec 13, 2025): Covering the CM's critique of the Congress leadership. 3. Law Enforcement & Bureaucracy "Suspended Punjab IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal awaits reinstatement" (Dec 10, 2025): Investigative reporting on the bureaucratic red tape involving the Election Commission and the state government. "Punjab declines to give parole to Amritpal Singh" (Nov 27, 2025): Detailing the state government's refusal to grant parole to the radical preacher and sitting MP. 4. Welfare & Economy "Punjab government's plan to add more freebies to 'atta-dal' scheme hits funds roadblock" (Dec 4, 2024): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing the state's flagship food security program. "Mann leads Punjab delegation to Japan and South Korea for investor outreach" (Dec 2, 2025). Signature Beat Kanchan Vasdev is known for her insider access to Punjab's political executive. Her writing provides deep insights into how state policies are formulated and the friction points between the state government and central authorities. Her dual expertise in environment and law allows her to report on complex issues like the "Farmhouse Policy" (Dec 18, 2025) and river pollution with a unique policy-oriented lens. X (Twitter): @kanchan99 ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:india new zealandIndira Gandhi assassination