No recent drug deaths reported in Kapurthala, misleading media narrative exposed: Baltej Pannu
CHANDIGARH(The Uttam Hindu): AAP Punjab State General Secretary and ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ Chief Spokesperson Baltej Pannu on Monday issued a detailed clarification rebutting misleading media reports claiming that four deaths in a single household in Kapurthala were caused by drugs, asserting that the facts present a very different and more nuanced picture.
Addressing the issue, AAP Punjab State General Secretary and Yudh Nashean Virudh Baltej Pannu stated, “It has come to the notice of District Police Kapurthala that a lady raised alarm claiming that she had lost four sons to drugs and appealed for saving her last son. However, a thorough field verification reveals that these deaths occurred over a span of more than eight years and were due to entirely different causes.”
Providing a factual breakdown, the AAP Punjab General Secretary stated, “One son died around eight years ago due to alleged drug overdose. Another son died approximately seven years ago due to fire and burn injuries. A third son died seven years ago in jail, where he was facing two criminal cases, including one under the NDPS Act. The fourth son died two years ago due to alleged liver failure as a chronic alcoholic.”
He further clarified the condition of the surviving son, stating, “The son currently being referred to in media reports is suffering from multiple health issues. He has a case registered under the NDPS Act in 2023 and was arrested with recovery of narcotic substances. He was subsequently convicted by the court in the same case on 29.11.2025.”
Baltej Pannu added, “The individual is a drug abuser and has been enrolled at an OOAT centre for de-addiction treatment, where he was administered medication on 30.03.2026. Considering his serious medical condition, he has now been referred to Amritsar for specialised treatment.”
Emphasising that the situation has been misrepresented, he stated, “No recent drug deaths have been reported in the area. The attempt to portray this as a single, recent drug-related tragedy is misleading and not supported by facts.”
Highlighting the ongoing crackdown, Baltej Pannu said, “Punjab Police has acted proactively in the same mohalla, registering four NDPS cases in recent days and arresting active drug peddlers.”
He underlined the scale of enforcement in Kapurthala, stating, “Over 1,300 FIRs have been registered under the NDPS Act, leading to the arrest of more than 1,637 drug peddlers and suppliers. More than 900 individuals have been admitted to de-addiction centres, while over 2,125 drug addicts have been enrolled in OOAT centres for treatment.”
He further added, “More than 605 individuals have successfully undergone de-addiction and sought immunity under Section 64A of the NDPS Act. Properties worth over ₹1.3 crore have been frozen under Section 68F of the NDPS Act in the last one month alone.”
Pointing to public participation, he said, “Based on tips received through the Safe Punjab Helpline, 629 FIRs have been registered and 753 accused involved in drug peddling have been arrested.”
Reaffirming the AAP government’s resolve, Baltej Pannu stated, “Bhagwant Mann Police remains committed to a zero-tolerance policy against drug peddling and will continue to take strict action against offenders.”
He also appealed to the public, stating, “Families must come forward and bring individuals struggling with addiction for timely de-addiction treatment. Community support is crucial in eliminating the drug menace and strengthening the impact of the Yudh Nashean Virudh campaign.”