Anti-drug activist’s death puts Mann government in Centre’s crosshairs

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday intensified the BJP’s attack on the Bhagwant Mann government over Punjab’s drug crisis, questioning the state’s law and order situation after the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa. Shah said the Ministry of Home Affairs would seek the Punjab government’s response on Jhota’s murder and the death of Gulzar Singh in Dirba, Sangrur district.

In a post on X, Shah said Punjab was facing growing threats from drugs, gangsters and organised crime, raising questions about the safety of people who speak out against narcotics. “In Dirba, a father succumbing to pressure and consuming poison, and in Mansa, the broad daylight murder of Parvinder Singh Jhota, who had raised his voice against drugs, have raised serious questions about Punjab’s law and order situation,” Shah wrote.

He also referred to allegations made by Jhota’s father against the ruling Aam Aadmi Party government and its MLA, calling for an impartial investigation into any alleged political patronage extended to criminals. “Bhagwant Mann ji, the people of Punjab do not want promises, they want answers; not announcements, but results,” Shah said, demanding decisive action against drug networks.

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He reiterated the BJP’s promise that they would work towards making the state drug free, gangster free and secure, if elected. The intervention comes as Punjab prepares for Assembly elections in 2027, putting the state government’s handling of narcotics and law and order under increasing political scrutiny.

‘OPPOSITION POLITICISING MURDER’

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann condemned Jhota’s killing on Wednesday and promised strict action against everyone involved, including anyone found to have planned or conspired in the crime.

Mann said he had directed Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav to conduct a thorough investigation and establish the facts. He also warned against attempts to disturb law and order and urged people not to take the law into their own hands.