Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday, 16 October launched a sharp attack on the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab, alleging a surge in drug trafficking, gangsterism, and organised crime in the state and demanding accountability for the safety of its residents. Shah's remarks came in the wake of two incidents — a reported coerced poisoning in Dirba and the broad-daylight murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhotta in Mansa — which he said had exposed serious law-and-order failures.

Shah's Allegations and Demands

In a post on social media platform X in Hindi, Shah stated that Punjab was "today grappling with the rising threats of drugs, gangsterism, and organised crime." He directly addressed Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, saying the people of Punjab wanted "answers, not announcements; results, not publicity; decisive strikes against drug networks, and an impartial investigation into any political patronage provided to criminals."

Shah further disclosed that the Union Home Ministry would formally seek responses from the Punjab government on both the Dirba and Mansa incidents. He alleged that Parvinder Singh Jhotta's father had levelled "grave allegations" against the AAP government and one of its legislators in connection with the killing.

The Mansa Murder: What Happened

Anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhotta was shot dead in broad daylight in Mansa in an incident that has since triggered a political firestorm. The alleged shooter, Ashwani Kumar, switched off his mobile phone after the killing and fled with the assistance of associates Laadi and Vipin Kumar, according to Mansa Senior Superintendent of Police Vaibhav Choudhary. Kumar was subsequently apprehended in Salasar, Rajasthan.

Punjab Police have secured a seven-day remand for Ashwani Kumar and Vipin Kumar, both produced before a court in Mansa via video conferencing. Kumar's wife, Neelam Rani, and associate Laadi have also been arrested in connection with the case.

Police Action and Suspension

Two days after the murder, Punjab Police suspended Beant Kaur, the Station House Officer (SHO) of City-2 Police Station in Mansa, with immediate effect. The suspension signals acknowledgement of a lapse in local policing, though the investigation into the circumstances of Jhotta's killing is still ongoing.

BJP's Political Pledge on Punjab

Shah used the occasion to renew a political promise, reiterating that a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Punjab would work "with full force" to create a "drug-free, gangster-free, and secure Punjab." He pledged strict action against drug networks and "the rule of law in such a way that no citizen is forced to live under the shadow of fear." The BJP does not currently hold power in Punjab, making the remarks an early signal of the party's campaign posture ahead of the next state election.

The Broader Context

Punjab has long battled drug abuse and cross-border narcotics smuggling, issues that were central to the AAP's sweeping electoral victory in 2022. Critics argue that despite promises of a crackdown, drug-related crime and gang activity have persisted. This is not the first time the Centre has raised governance concerns with the Mann government; previous exchanges over law-and-order issues, including gangster activity with alleged cross-border links, have repeatedly strained Centre-state relations. Notably, the murder of a vocal anti-drug activist adds a particularly alarming dimension — raising questions about whether those who speak out against narcotics networks face organised retribution.

The investigation remains active, and political pressure on the Punjab government is likely to intensify as the Home Ministry formally seeks answers.