Rahul Gandhi Accuses Bhagwant Mann Government of Failing to Protect Anti-Drug Campaigners in Punjab

New Delhi, Oct 15 : Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of failing to protect people raising their voices against drug abuse in Punjab. He cited three cases involving alleged shooting, intimidation and custodial torture.

In a post on X, Gandhi alleged that speaking out against drugs in Punjab had become life-threatening and questioned the state government's commitment to safeguarding those campaigning against narcotics.

Referring to the shooting of Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa, who was associated with the “Stop Drugs, Provide Employment” campaign, Gandhi said he had been shot in broad daylight, with the incident reportedly captured during a Facebook Live broadcast.

Gandhi also highlighted the case of Gulzar Singh, a labourer from Sangrur, the Chief Minister's home district. According to Gandhi, Gulzar Singh had raised concerns about drug abuse in his village in the presence of a minister. His family has alleged that he was later pressured to apologise before he died by suicide.

In another case, Gandhi referred to Mohanjit Singh, who had spoken out against drugs in Sangrur and was allegedly tortured in police custody. He said the matter had reached the High Court.

Questioning the police action in Jhota's case, Gandhi alleged that the police registered a first information report (FIR) following Jhota's complaint but subsequently named him as an accused as well.

“Under a government where even the person who files a complaint becomes an accused, why would drug traffickers not operate without fear?” Gandhi asked, challenging Mann to explain who would protect those fighting against drugs.

“Who will protect those fighting against drugs?” he asked the Chief Minister.

Gandhi asserted that the Congress would continue to raise the issue until the alleged drug network threatening the future of Punjab's youth was dismantled.

Drug abuse, its impact on young people and the availability of employment opportunities have remained key issues in Punjab's political discourse. Successive governments have faced pressure to curb narcotics trafficking and address its social consequences.

The allegations have brought the Mann government's handling of the drug problem under renewed political scrutiny. The claims concerning the shooting, the circumstances surrounding Gulzar Singh's death and the alleged custodial torture of Mohanjit Singh remain subject to examination through the relevant investigations and judicial proceedings.