SAD leader calls for action against alleged politician-police nexus; seeks CBI probe into Parminder Singh Jhota’s killing

Chandigarh, 15 October (H.S.): Senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Thursday demanded the resignation of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, accusing the state government of failing to control the drug menace. She called for dismantling the alleged politician-police nexus and taking strict action against those suspected of protecting drug traffickers.

In a statement, Badal said Punjabis were grieving over the killing of anti-drug activist Parminder Singh Jhota in Mansa and demanding justice for his family. Jhota was allegedly shot dead while protesting against the illegal sale of drugs from a medical store. Badal accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of failing to address the concerns raised by the victim’s family.

She alleged that no action had been taken against Mansa MLA Vijay Singla, whom she accused of harbouring drug traffickers, or against the DSP and SSP facing allegations of corruption. These allegations have not been independently established.

Badal said the family’s demands, including transferring the investigation into Jhota’s killing to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), had not been fulfilled. She also questioned how the accused, Ashwini Kumar, had allegedly obtained a pistol licence from the Mansa SSP in 2024 despite claims that his medical store had been raided ten times and that he had been jailed in 2023 in connection with the sale of illegal habit-forming narcotics.

The SAD leader demanded action against the Mansa drug inspector and other officials who, she alleged, had failed to take appropriate steps despite complaints against the accused. She claimed the alleged drug trade had continued despite the presence of the police and regulatory authorities, and described the suspension of the SHO in connection with the case as insufficient.

Badal said the SAD had supported the Punjab bandh call given by Jhota’s father, Bhim Singh, and would continue to raise the family’s demands. She said the party stood with Punjabis affected by the drug problem.

Referring to the SAD’s Mai Bhago Di Fauj, formed to counter drug traffickers and their alleged protectors, Badal said the party planned to expand the initiative across Punjab.

She asserted that the campaign would target those allegedly involved in the drug trade and those accused of protecting them, while reiterating the demand for accountability in Jhota’s killing.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH