New Delhi [India], October 15 (ANI): Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi on Thursday criticised the AAP government in Punjab over the death of an anti-drug activists in the state, declaring that raising a voice against drug abuse in the state has turned into a death sentence under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s administration.
Making these remarks following the death of anti-drug activist Parminder Singh Jhota in Mansa, Rahul Gandhi, in a post on X, alleged that when Jhota lodged a complaint over drug abuse in the state, the police registered a case against Jhota himself, asserting that drug peddlers are bound to roam free if the complainant becomes the accused in the state under the AAP administration.
“Raising a voice against drugs in Punjab has now become a death sentence. And this is happening under the rule of Bhagwant Mann’s AAP government. Mansa: Parvinder Singh Jhotta, who was running the “Stop Drugs, Give Employment” campaign, was shot dead in broad daylight—an incident clearly visible on a Facebook Live. Sangrur – The Chief Minister’s own district: Laborer Gulzar Singh raised the issue of drugs in the village in front of the minister. The family alleges that afterward, pressure was put on him to apologize. He took his own life. Sangrur: Allegations of custodial torture against Mohanjeet Singh, who spoke out against drugs—the case is now in the High Court.And there’s one more thing in Jhotta’s story. When he lodged a complaint, an FIR was registered, and later the police booked Jhotta himself. In a government where even the complainant becomes the accused, why wouldn’t the drug peddlers roam fearless?,” said Gandhi.
The Congress leader further questioned Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, demanding an answer on who would protect those fighting against drugs, asserting that the Congress party would not rest easy without dismantling the drug empire in the state.
“CM Bhagwant Mann, answer this: Who will protect those fighting against drugs? Without dismantling this drug empire that’s destroying the future of Punjab’s youth, Congress will not rest easy,” added Gandhi.
Gandhi’s remarks came after anti-drug activist Parminder Singh Jhota was shot by a medical shop owner, who later succumbed to his injuries after being rushed to a hospital. The incident has ignited a political firestorm in the state, with opposition parties attacking the Bhagwant Mann-led government over the alleged failure of law and order and questioning the effectiveness of Punjab’s drive against drugs.
Following the incident, the Punjab Police, in a joint operation with Rajasthan Police, arrested the main shooter involved in the murder of Anti-drug activist Parminder Singh Jhota from Salasar, Rajasthan, officials said on wednesday.
According to Salasar Station House Officer (SHO) Shankar Lal Bhari, the accused sharpshooter was arrested from the Shri Ganganagar Dharamshala, situated near the Salasar Balaji Temple, where he was reportedly hiding in disguise.
Later, hours after the arrest of the prime accused Asvini, the district administration on Wednesday carried out a demolition drive at the residence of the accused amid heavy security deployment. (ANI)
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