MHA Cracks Down on Punjab: Reports Sought Over Narcotics-Linked Killings and Suicide
The Ministry of Home Affairs demands detailed reports from Punjab over killings and a suicide allegedly linked to narcotics and government ministers.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has stepped in to scrutinize the law-and-order situation in Punjab, issuing three separate letters to the state government. The central ministry is demanding comprehensive reports on two killings and a suicide, all of which are allegedly linked to the rampant spread of narcotics in the region.
These urgent communications were addressed to the Chief Secretary of Punjab, with copies marked to the Director General of Police, highlighting the gravity of the incidents and their potential to trigger widespread unrest.
The Killing of an Anti-Drug Activist
One of the primary concerns raised by the MHA is the death of Parwinder Singh, also known as Jhota. On October 13, Singh was killed in Mansa, a tragedy that sparked protests across the state. Reports indicate that Singh had been actively campaigning against the abuse and sale of psychotropic substances and narcotic drugs.
The MHA has requested a factual report on the incident and a detailed account of the steps the state government has taken in response. Furthermore, the ministry has asked for an update on Punjab's implementation of the Union Home Minister's Vision Document on Narcotics Control (2026-2029), which was shared with the Chief Minister on August 10, 2026.
The Roadmap to a Drug-Free India
The Vision Document outlines a strategic framework to achieve a "Drug-Free India," emphasizing several critical action points that the MHA wants to see executed in Punjab, including:
- The establishment or restructuring of a dedicated Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF).
- Implementation of mandatory financial investigations to trace drug money.
- Outcome-based reviews conducted via the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) mechanism.
- Strengthening the prosecution process and the designation of specific NDPS courts.
- The appointment of nodal officers and aggressive action against transnational drug networks.
Violence in Gurdaspur
In a second letter, the MHA sought details regarding a violent attack in Mari Panwan village, located in the Batala tehsil of Gurdaspur district. The incident involved an assault on Bikramjit Singh, Nishan Singh, and Gurmukh Singh.
The attack proved fatal for Bikramjit Singh, while Nishan and Gurmukh were left critically injured. Given the allegations that this violence was rooted in narcotics-related conflicts, the MHA has expressed concern over the potential law-and-order implications and has demanded a full report.
Tragedy and Allegations of Harassment
The third letter focuses on a heartbreaking case of suicide. On September 8, Gulzar Singh, the father of a youth struggling with substance abuse, took his own life.
The MHA noted reports that before his death, Gulzar Singh had openly questioned the availability of synthetic drugs in his locality and had leveled serious allegations against a minister within the Punjab government. Furthermore, it is alleged that Singh was subjected to systematic pressure and harassment by the local village panchayat, which purportedly pushed him toward suicide.
Citing the public distress caused by this incident and the risk of further instability, the MHA has insisted on a detailed report from the state authorities to uncover the truth behind the allegations.