Whistleblowers Raising Their Voice Against Drugs in Punjab Are Being Silenced by Bullets : Tarun Chugh

Whistleblowers Raising Their Voice Against Drugs in Punjab Are Being Silenced by Bullets : Tarun Chugh

Bhagwant Mann Government Must Answer for Failure to Protect Anti-Drug Activists; AAP MLA's Involvement Must Be Investigated Fairly

Chandigarh 13 October ( Ranjeet Singh Dhaliwal ) : BJP National Office In-Charge and Rajya Sabha MP Tarun Chugh strongly condemned the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhotta in Mansa, Punjab, stating that the incident raises serious questions about the state’s law and order situation and the Bhagwant Mann government’s failure to protect those fighting against the drug menace.

Chugh said that a deeply disturbing situation was unfolding in Punjab, where people raising their voices against drugs were allegedly facing pressure, harassment and violence instead of receiving protection from the administration. Referring to the cases of Sardar Mohanjeet Singh and Gulzar Singh, he said that questions had already been raised about the treatment of individuals who had spoken out against wrongdoing. Jhotta’s killing has further heightened concerns about the safety of anti-drug activists and whistleblowers in the state.

Chugh said that it is the administration’s responsibility to act promptly on information provided by citizens exposing the illegal sale of intoxicating and restricted medicines, dismantle drug trafficking networks and protect those who come forward with information. The Punjab government must explain why people exposing the illegal drug trade continue to fear for their safety. The incident demands a transparent investigation, effective police action and accountability at every level.

Chugh demanded a fair, impartial and time-bound investigation into the allegation publicly made by Jhotta’s father that Aam Aadmi Party MLA Singla was involved in his son’s killing. He also called for scrutiny of allegations concerning other political functionaries, emphasising that every allegation must be examined on the basis of evidence and that no individual should be shielded from the law. Those responsible for the killing must be identified and brought to justice.

Chugh said that the Bhagwant Mann government continues to make claims about its campaign against drugs while serious questions persist about the safety of those providing information against drug sellers and traffickers. He alleged that the drug mafia appeared increasingly emboldened and demanded that the police act against criminal networks instead of allowing fear and intimidation to silence citizens. He said that timely action on credible information supplied by anti-drug activists could have helped save many young people from falling prey to drugs.

Chugh demanded accountability from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, stating that the people of Punjab deserve security, justice and clear answers rather than hollow assurances. He said that if the Chief Minister accepts moral responsibility for the deteriorating law and order situation, he should resign. Punjab needs a government that protects its citizens, takes decisive action against drug traffickers and ensures that those who raise their voices against drugs are not left to fend for themselves.