Amit Shah Addresses Drug Concerns After Activist's Murder in Punjab

Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Punjab to meet the family of Parvinder Singh, also known as Jhota, who was murdered on October 13. Singh was an anti-drug activist, and his assassination has raised significant concerns about drug trafficking and law enforcement in the region. Despite the passage of seven days since Singh's death, his family has refused to perform his last rites until the case is transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

During his visit, Amit Shah expressed his condolences not only to Singh's family but also to the families of other activists killed as a result of their stance against drug-related crimes in Punjab. The state government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, announced that the murder case would indeed be handed over to the CBI.

Singh’s murder, which was live-streamed on social media, has drawn attention to the alarming levels of drug abuse and trafficking in Punjab, especially concerning synthetic drugs known locally as chitta. Recently, Singh's family reiterated their demands for justice, refusing to cremate him until their request for a CBI inquiry was met.

In Gurdaspur, Shah visited the residence of another anti-drug activist, Bikramjit Singh, and also met with the family of Gulzar Singh, who faced a similar fate for opposing local drug dealers. Shah's visit aimed to provide reassurance that the central government is committed to tackling the drug issue in Punjab.

In statements made during his visit, Shah declared, “Whoever is found guilty—no matter how powerful—they will be tracked down and brought before the law.” He also called for the remaining murder cases involving anti-drug activists to be handed over to the CBI, addressing Chief Minister Mann directly.

Shah’s emphasis on the severity of the situation was reflected in his comments about community sentiments: “The reality of the situation in Punjab described by the victims’ families is far more gut-wrenching than what is recorded in administrative reports.”

With a deadline set for December 31, 2029, Shah stated that the Centre would take rigorous action against those involved in drug trafficking and the murders of activists, aiming to establish a drug-free Punjab. His remarks come in response to growing public concern over safety and law enforcement in the state.