Chandigarh, October 19, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Monday criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to Punjab, demanding answers from the Centre on gangsterism, drug trafficking, extortion and the safety of ordinary citizens.
Cheema asked the Union Home Minister to explain what concrete steps the Central Government and the Gujarat Government had taken against criminal networks allegedly linked to Lawrence Bishnoi, who is lodged in Sabarmati Jail, and why reports of threatening calls and extortion continued to raise concerns.
Addressing a press conference, Cheema said, “Amit Shah travels across the country claiming to understand the problems faced by different states. Before coming to Punjab, he must answer the questions being raised by people across the country about gangsterism, drug trafficking, extortion and the safety of ordinary citizens. The BJP cannot evade responsibility on these serious issues.”
Raising concerns about Lawrence Bishnoi, Cheema said, “Serious cases involving murder, extortion and kidnapping have been registered against Lawrence Bishnoi in different parts of the country. Despite his being lodged in Gujarat’s Sabarmati Jail, reports of criminal activities and threatening phone calls in his name continue to emerge. This is a matter of grave concern.”
He questioned the Union Home Ministry and the Gujarat Government over reports of criminal networks allegedly operating despite Bishnoi’s imprisonment. “Why have the Union Home Ministry and the Gujarat Government not provided clear answers about the alleged operation of criminal networks from inside prisons? Amit Shah must explain what concrete steps have been taken to dismantle these networks, prevent threatening calls and stop extortion. The public also deserves to know whose accountability has been fixed in such cases,” he said.
Referring to reports of a firing incident targeting actor Tiger Shroff in Mumbai, Cheema said the incident had raised concerns about the security of prominent actors, businesspeople and ordinary citizens.
“Whenever criminal gangs are linked to serious incidents or threats, the government must ensure an impartial investigation and strict action against those responsible,” he said, demanding that the incident be investigated fairly and the facts placed before the public.
Questioning the BJP’s claims on law and order, Cheema said reports of gang wars, shootings, extortion and drug trafficking continued to emerge from states including Haryana, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Maharashtra. He asked what concrete action was being taken to dismantle criminal networks and protect young people from drugs.
“Crime cannot be prevented through political speeches alone. It requires accountability, effective investigations, coordination among law enforcement agencies and decisive action against criminals,” he said.
Cheema also highlighted the impact of criminal intimidation on businesspeople and ordinary citizens, arguing that threats and extortion undermined their freedom and security.
“Criminal gangs intimidate businesspeople, ordinary citizens and political opponents. In a democracy, every citizen and political party has the right to express themselves without fear. When people are silenced through threats or businesspeople are targeted for extortion, it is not merely a failure of law and order; it is an attack on the freedom of citizens,” he said.
He urged governments to rise above political differences and act firmly against criminal intimidation and extortion, stressing that no individual or organisation should be allowed to operate above the law.
Highlighting the Punjab Government’s efforts, Cheema said the government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann was pursuing the ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign, while the Punjab Police was taking action against criminals and gangster networks.
“The Punjab Government does not consider anyone above the law in cases involving crime and drug trafficking,” he said.
Cheema called on the Central Government to coordinate action against criminal networks operating across state borders and intensify efforts to combat drug trafficking. He said criminals must not be allowed to exploit gaps between states or find shelter anywhere in the country, particularly when the future of young people was at stake.
Reiterating his questions ahead of Amit Shah’s visit, Cheema asked what measures the Centre and the Gujarat Government had taken against the network allegedly linked to Bishnoi, what mechanisms were in place to prevent threatening calls and extortion complaints originating from prisons, and whose accountability had been fixed.
“The public wants concrete answers and action, not empty assurances,” he said.
Cheema said people deserved security, the rule of law and an atmosphere free from fear. He called on the BJP to address concerns over gangsterism, drug trafficking and extortion instead of resorting to political rhetoric.
“Strengthening democracy requires impartial action against criminals, ensuring the safety of citizens and holding those responsible accountable. No government should shy away from answering the questions raised by the public,” he concluded.
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