After Small Fish, It’s Now the Turn of the ‘Jarnails’ to Face Action for Their Role in Drug Trade: CM
Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday stated that following action against small-time drug smugglers, it is now the turn of the ‘Jarnails’—the big players—to face consequences for their involvement in the drug trade.
Speaking to the media at his official residence, the Chief Minister reiterated the government’s policy of zero tolerance toward drugs and the powerful individuals who have either patronized or participated in the illicit trade. He said while small smugglers acted as distributors, the real kingpins—who operated an extensive network—had long evaded accountability. “Now, their time is up,” Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted. “No matter how influential they are, those involved in the drug trade will not be spared.”
The Chief Minister emphasized that the state government has already jailed many area-specific, small-scale smugglers. “The Aam Aadmi Party had guaranteed that the perpetrators of this heinous crime would be brought to justice. That promise is being fulfilled,” he said, adding that the ongoing crackdown has broken the backbone of the drug cartel.
Bhagwant Singh Mann further revealed that substantial evidence has been collected against those arrested, including records of significant hawala transactions, which he said will serve as “the final nail in their coffin.” He promised exemplary action to serve as a deterrent to others and reiterated the government’s commitment to bringing all offenders to justice.
The Chief Minister highlighted the success of the state’s “Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh” (War Against Drugs) campaign, noting that many traffickers have fled the state.
The campaign, he said, has now become a mass movement, with widespread public support. The Chief Minister praised village panchayats for passing resolutions against drug abuse, calling it a positive step toward eradicating the menace from Punjab. Commenting on the arrest of Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that cross-party statements in Majithia’s support prove the existence of a political nexus shielding drug smugglers.
The Chief Minister added that 29 mobile phones, eight laptops, and other crucial evidence have been recovered from Majithia’s residence. “His arrest has exposed the unholy alliance among traditional political parties on the drug issue. Their actions have devastated Punjab,” Bhagwant Singh Mann said. He warned that more prominent political figures would soon face arrest and that their properties would be confiscated or demolished.
Every link in the chain of drug money—both upstream and downstream—is being investigated thoroughly, the Chief Minister added. He said that Those who have accumulated vast wealth by supporting illegal activities will be held accountable. Dismissing accusations of political vendetta, Bhagwant Singh Mann maintained that all actions have been taken in accordance with the law.
The Chief Minister questioned that How can it be political vendetta when the opposition has been rejected outright by the people of Punjab? He said that the opposition is merely trying to politicize the matter in a desperate bid to protect itself. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that all such efforts will prove futile as the people of state are aware of the dubious character of these leaders.