Ludhiana Drug Crackdown: Punjab Police Detain 50 Suspects, File 20 FIRs
Punjab Police launch a massive crackdown in Ludhiana's drug hotspots, registering 20 FIRs and detaining over 50 suspects in the 'War Against Drugs'.
In a massive surge against narcotics, the Punjab Police have launched an intensive enforcement operation in Ludhiana as part of the state government's overarching Ludhiana anti-drug drive titled 'War Against Drugs'. This aggressive campaign has already led to the detention of between 50 and 52 suspects and the registration of 18 to 20 First Information Reports (FIRs).
Targeting the Hotspots
The operation specifically targeted eight identified "hotspots" across Ludhiana, areas known for high narcotics activity. According to Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Rupinder Singh, the drive is being executed with the strategic support of the Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) and the ADG Haryana Commissionerate.
ACP Singh informed reporters that police teams revisited these critical locations to ensure strict enforcement. While the raids have resulted in numerous arrests and legal filings, officials are currently in the process of assessing the total volume of recoveries made during the raids.
"This is part of the Punjab government’s ongoing campaign, 'War Against Drugs'. Under this initiative... we have revisited these eight identified 'hotspots' where enforcement action is currently underway," ACP Singh stated.
Political Heat and the Shadow of Violence
This crackdown comes at a time of heightened tension and political scrutiny. The Punjab government has faced severe criticism following the deaths of activists fighting against the drug menace, leading the opposition to question the current state of law and order.
The Parvinder Singh Jhota Case
The atmosphere is further charged by the murder of anti-drug crusader Parvinder Singh Jhota. Jhota was shot dead on October 13 inside a chemist shop in the Mansa district while he was livestreaming on Facebook. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has since registered an FIR in the murder case, naming an individual identified as Kumar along with several unidentified accomplices.
Allegations of Harassment
The tragedy of Jhota's death has sparked a political firestorm. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President and former Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal has launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led administration.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Badal accused the government of not only failing to deliver justice but actively harassing the family of the slain activist. He alleged that Jhota's father and widow were being summoned for meetings with individuals who were allegedly complicit in the murder.
Badal emphasized that Jhota sacrificed his life fighting drug peddlers in Punjab, and argued that the administration's current actions are a betrayal of that sacrifice.