Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Kewal Singh Dhillon on Friday, 4 September condemned the alleged police torture of GurSikh youth Mohanjeet Singh, who had raised the issue of rampant drug abuse in Punjab directly before the Chief Minister. Dhillon described the incident as “extremely unfortunate and condemnable” and demanded an impartial investigation into the matter.

BJP President Speaks to Victim Directly

Dhillon reportedly connected with Mohanjeet Singh over a video call, enquired about his well-being, and encouraged him for speaking out against drugs. The BJP president stated that the party “stands firmly with Mohanjeet Singh in this difficult hour and that every possible effort would be made to ensure justice for him.”

He also confirmed that he had spoken by phone with both the Senior Superintendent of Police of Sangrur and the Director General of Police (DGP), demanding a fair probe into the alleged custodial torture. Daman Thind Bajwa, the BJP District President of Sangrur, along with his team, is reportedly on the ground assisting the victim.

What Mohanjeet Singh Did

According to Dhillon, Mohanjeet Singh had not engaged in any unlawful activity. He had directly petitioned the Chief Minister on the issue of drug abuse and the urgent need to protect Punjab’s youth. Dhillon argued that in a democracy, every citizen holds the right to question the government and voice concerns without fear of reprisal.

The alleged detention, beating, and — as Dhillon put it — disrespect of the activist’s Kakars (the five articles of faith worn by initiated Sikhs) has drawn sharp condemnation from the BJP and raised wider questions about religious sensitivity in the handling of the case.

BJP Targets AAP Government’s ‘War Against Drugs’

Dhillon used the incident to mount a broader political attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab, arguing that the alleged police action exposes the hollowness of its much-publicised ‘War Against Drugs’ campaign. “The government has completely failed to control the drug menace,” he alleged.

He further charged that the AAP government — which came to power on the back of public protests and people’s movements — is now resorting to suppressing the very voices it once claimed to champion. “Instead of trying to silence them through police force, the government should listen to and support young people who are raising their voices against drugs,” Dhillon said.

Wider Implications for Punjab’s Drug Crisis

Punjab has long grappled with one of India’s most severe drug abuse crises, with successive state governments facing criticism over enforcement and rehabilitation. The alleged treatment of Mohanjeet Singh — a citizen who raised the issue through legitimate channels — risks undermining public trust in the state’s anti-drug messaging. Notably, this incident comes at a time when the AAP administration has staked considerable political capital on its drug-eradication credentials. How the government responds to the demand for an independent inquiry will be closely watched.