'Murdered in Broad Daylight': Sachin Pilot Slams Punjab Govt Over Law and Order
Congress leader Sachin Pilot calls for a change in governance in Punjab, citing broad daylight murders, extortion, and a failing justice system.
Senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot has launched a scathing attack on the Punjab government, alleging a complete collapse of the law and order situation in Punjab. During a visit to the Moga district, Pilot claimed that the state has become a hotspot for violent crime, stating that killings, extortion, and ransom demands have now become "extremely common."
'People Living Under Immense Hardship'
Addressing the gathering in Moga, Pilot expressed deep concern over the rising tide of violence across the state. He highlighted a disturbing trend where citizens are being targeted in public spaces without fear of the law.
"From every corner of Punjab, we have been receiving reports of encounters, killings, and people being murdered in broad daylight," Pilot stated. "I feel that people are living under immense hardship."
The Congress leader argued that those entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining the system have failed miserably. He pointed toward a cocktail of systemic failures, including the proliferation of illegal arms, the drug menace, and rampant extortion, as reasons why a "change in governance" is now critically needed to bring the state back under control.
Justice Delayed for Victims
Pilot's visit was marked by meetings with families who have been denied justice. He specifically highlighted the case of a young man who lost his father three years ago, alleging that the family has received neither legal closure nor the necessary government assistance.
He further criticized the judicial and investigative process in the state, noting that once a crime disappears from the news headlines, the authorities lose interest, leaving the grieving families to suffer in silence.
Failure in Prosecution and Protection
The Congress leader raised serious questions about how murder cases are being handled in Punjab. He pointed out several gaps in the current system:
- Lack of Witness Protection: A failure to ensure that those testifying against criminals are safe.
- Bail Loopholes: Pilot alleged that in many high-profile cases, most of the accused are already out on bail.
- Slow Courts: A lack of urgency in using fast-track courts to secure prompt convictions.
Political Violence and Targeted Killings
Sachin Pilot also drew attention to the murder of a hardworking Congress party office-bearer. He described the brutality of the crime as a reflection of the "dire situation" prevailing in Punjab and expressed frustration that no substantial action has been taken against the main accused even after three years.
Earlier, taking to X (formerly Twitter), Pilot shared details of his meetings with the families of victims, including:
- Parminder Singh “Vicky”: Murdered during a robbery and dacoity in a crowded market in June 2023. Pilot expressed grave concern for the safety of ordinary citizens and traders.
- Baljinder Singh Bambi: The Congress Block President and Sarpanch who was murdered at his residence in September 2023. Pilot remembered him as a dedicated public representative and vowed to fight for strict punishment for the perpetrators.
Concluding his remarks, Pilot asserted his belief that the people of Punjab recognize the need for a systemic overhaul, stating, "The time has come to change the system, and I have complete faith that the people will do just that."