New Delhi, October 16, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday expressed concern over what he described as rising threats from drug trafficking, gangsterism and organised crime in Punjab, questioning the Bhagwant Mann-led government over the safety of the state’s residents.
In a post on social media platform X in Hindi, Shah referred to recent incidents in Dirba and Mansa, saying they had raised serious questions about the law and order situation in the state.
“Punjab is today grappling with the rising threats of drugs, gangsterism, and organised crime. The biggest question before the Bhagwant Mann government is: who will ultimately take responsibility for the safety of Punjab’s people,” he said.
Shah added that the Union Home Ministry would also seek responses from the Punjab government regarding the two incidents.
Referring to the Dirba incident, in which a father allegedly consumed poison under pressure, and the broad-daylight murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhotta in Mansa, Shah said the cases had raised concerns about public safety and law enforcement.
He also referred to allegations made by Jhotta’s father against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government and its MLA, describing them as serious.
“In Punjab, the drug trade is flourishing, the threat of organised crime is growing, and questions are being raised about the safety of those who speak out against drugs,” Shah said.
Addressing Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Union Home Minister said people wanted accountability and concrete action rather than publicity and announcements.
“Bhagwant Mann, the people of Punjab do not want publicity — they want answers; not announcements, but results; decisive strikes against drug networks, and an impartial investigation into any political patronage provided to criminals,” Shah said.
Shah also reiterated his commitment to making Punjab free from drugs and gangsterism if the BJP came to power in the state.
“Today, I reiterate my pledge before the people of Punjab that when our government comes to power in Punjab, we will work with full force to create a drug-free, gangster-free, and secure Punjab,” he said, adding that the party’s priorities would include action against drug networks, protection of young people, strict measures against criminals and the enforcement of the rule of law.
Meanwhile, Punjab Police suspended a station house officer (SHO) and arrested the wife of the alleged shooter on Thursday, two days after anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhotta was shot dead in Mansa.
Beant Kaur, SHO of the City-2 Police Station, was suspended with immediate effect.
Police also secured seven days of remand for Ashwani Kumar, the alleged shooter, and his associate Vipin Kumar. Both were produced before a court in Mansa through video conferencing.
The police have arrested Ashwani Kumar’s wife, Neelam Rani, and another associate, Laadi, in connection with the case.
Mansa Senior Superintendent of Police Vaibhav Choudhary told reporters that Ashwani Kumar allegedly switched off his mobile phone after shooting Jhotta and fled with the assistance of Laadi and Vipin Kumar.
The alleged shooter was subsequently arrested in Salasar, Rajasthan, the SSP said.
The investigation into Jhotta’s murder is ongoing, with police examining the circumstances surrounding the killing and the alleged involvement of the accused. The case has also intensified the political debate over drug trafficking and law enforcement in Punjab.
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