The Centre has sought a report from the Punjab government on the killing of anti-drug activist Parwinder Singh, alias Jhota, and the steps taken to strengthen the state’s anti-narcotics operations.
It has also sought details of measures taken to combat drug trafficking and substance abuse. The ministry has also stressed the need for better coordination through the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) mechanism. Other priorities include designating special NDPS courts, appointing nodal officers and taking action against transnational drug networks.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has asked the state government to submit a detailed account of the October 13 killing in Mansa, PTI reported.
Opposition parties and farmer groups backed demands for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe. Punjab Congress president Pargat Singh and Congress MP Amrinder Singh Raja Warring criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government over the state’s law-and-order situation and its handling of the drug menace. Punjab BJP chief Kewal Singh Dhillon demanded a CBI probe into Jhota’s killing, while Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia called for the dissolution of the state government and the imposition of President’s Rule.
Jhota was known for confronting suspected sellers and recording videos of such encounters for social media, according to reports.
