New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) would seek a report from the Punjab government over the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, who was shot dead in Mansa district earlier this week.
In a post on X in Punjabi, Shah criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, alleging that it had failed to ensure the safety of people amid the growing drug menace and organised crime in the state.
“The drug trade in Punjab is growing by the day, the threat of organised crime is increasing, and questions are being raised about the safety of those who speak out against drugs,” Shah said.
The Home Minister also referred to a recent incident in Dirba, where a man allegedly died after being forced to consume drugs. He said the Centre would seek a response from the Punjab government regarding that incident as well.
Shah seeks action against drug networks
Shah said people in Punjab wanted answers from the Mann government and decisive action against drug networks operating in the state. He also called for an impartial investigation into allegations of political patronage to criminals.
Reiterating his commitment to tackling the drug problem, Shah said that if the BJP came to power in Punjab, it would work towards making the state drug-free, free from gangsters and safer for its residents.
He said the priority would be to dismantle drug networks, protect young people, take strict action against criminals and strengthen the rule of law.
Police arrest four in Jhota murder case
The remarks come amid mounting criticism of the Punjab government following Jhota’s killing. Police have suspended Beant Kaur, the Station House Officer of City-2 Police Station, with immediate effect.
The alleged shooter, Ashwani Kumar, and his associate Vipin Kumar have been arrested and remanded to seven days of police custody, according to the report.
Police have also arrested Ashwani Kumar’s wife, Neelam Rani, and another associate, Laadi. Further investigation into the murder is underway.
The Centre’s proposed report from the Punjab government is expected to bring further attention to the state’s efforts to tackle drug trafficking and organised crime.
