MHA Demands Answers From Punjab Over Gurdaspur Killing and Anti-Drug Activist Murder
The Ministry of Home Affairs demands a detailed report from Punjab after a fatal attack in Gurdaspur and the killing of anti-drug activist Parwinder Singh.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has stepped in following a series of violent incidents in Punjab, demanding a comprehensive report from the state government. The central ministry is particularly concerned over a brutal attack in Gurdaspur that left one man dead and two others fighting for their lives, as well as the daylight murder of a prominent anti-drug activist in Mansa.
The Gurdaspur Attack: Violence in Mari Panwan
In a formal communication sent to the Punjab Chief Secretary, the MHA's Internal Security-I Division highlighted a violent clash in Mari Panwan village, located under the jurisdiction of the Sri Hargobindpur Police Station in Batala tehsil. The attack targeted three individuals: Bikramjit Singh, Nishan Singh, and Gurmukh Singh.
Tragically, Bikramjit Singh lost his life in the assault, while Nishan and Gurmukh Singh sustained critical injuries. The MHA noted that there are serious allegations suggesting the attack was linked to the illegal trade of narcotic drugs. Given the potential for this incident to trigger wider law and order issues across the state, the Centre has requested a detailed account of the events.
The Murder of Parwinder Singh 'Jhota'
The Ministry's concerns extend beyond Gurdaspur. The MHA has also sought a factual report regarding the killing of Parwinder Singh, popularly known as Jhota, who was shot dead in Mansa on October 13. Jhota was a well-known figure in the region, dedicated to campaigning against the sale and abuse of psychotropic substances and narcotic drugs.
A Confrontation That Turned Deadly
Reports indicate that Jhota frequently confronted those suspected of selling habit-forming medicines and illegal drugs, often recording these encounters and sharing them on social media to raise awareness. On the day of his death, Jhota and his associates reportedly challenged a medical store owner over the alleged sale of addictive substances.
The confrontation escalated quickly, and the shop owner allegedly opened fire, killing Jhota and injuring others. The entire violent encounter was captured on video, which later fueled public outrage and protests. The incident has sparked heavy criticism from opposition leaders, who have questioned the state government's ability to control crime and curb the illegal drug trade.
Centre Pushes for a 'Drug-Free India'
Beyond the specific killings, the MHA is using this opportunity to evaluate Punjab's overall strategy in the fight against narcotics. The Ministry has asked the state government to provide updates on the implementation of strategic priorities aimed at achieving a drug-free India.
The MHA has specifically asked for details on the following measures:
- Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF): The restructuring and establishment of a dedicated task force for specialized action against narcotics offences.
- Financial Investigations: Making financial probes mandatory in drug cases to trace the proceeds of crime and dismantle the financial networks supporting traffickers.
- NCORD Mechanism: Conducting outcome-oriented reviews under the Narco-Coordination Centre to improve synergy between central and state agencies.
- Legal Strengthening: Improving the prosecution process, designating specific NDPS Courts, and appointing nodal officers to ensure accountability.
- Global Networks: Taking decisive action against transnational drug networks that fuel the crisis.
The Ministry has emphasized that sustained action from all stakeholders is essential to strengthen the enforcement framework and effectively combat drug trafficking and substance abuse in the region.