Two Accused Arrested in Incident Involving Ex-Army Personnel, One Identified; Arrest Expected Soon: Baltej Pannu
Bathinda/Chandigarh(The Uttam Hindu): Regarding the incident of an assault on a former army personnel for opposing drug traffickers in Bathinda, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) senior leader Baltej Pannu stated that no culprit involved in the case would be spared. He said that a thorough investigation is underway and assured that all guilty individuals would face strict punishment.
Pannu disclosed that three individuals were directly involved in the assault. Of these, two have already been arrested, while the third has been identified and is being pursued. “His arrest will be made soon,” he affirmed.
Regarding the Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) accused of threatening the victim, Pannu revealed that the SSP had removed the officer from his post and transferred him to the police lines. “If found guilty, the ASI will face stringent action as well,” he added. The victim has also been provided with police security by the Superintendent of Police.
Pannu said that the AAP government’s Yudh Nashe Virudh (War Against Drugs) campaign has effectively crippled the drug trade in Punjab, leading frustrated traffickers to resort to such incidents. “The public is now actively opposing traffickers in villages, which is further aggravating their desperation,” he remarked.
Pannu assured that the government stands firmly with the victim and is committed to providing all possible support. He also announced that he, along with local leaders, will soon visit the victim in the hospital.
Highlighting AAP’s zero-tolerance policy towards drugs and crime, Pannu declared, “No criminal or trafficker will be spared under our watch. The opposition parties must answer how many traffickers were prosecuted during the Akali-BJP and Congress regimes.”
Taking a jab at rival parties, Pannu accused their leaders of openly supporting drug traffickers during their tenure. “In contrast, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has issued clear orders: no AAP leader, MLA, or minister will ever interfere to protect any drug trafficker under NDPS charges. The police have been given full autonomy to act.”
Pannu reiterated AAP’s commitment to eradicating drugs from Punjab, asserting that neither the party nor its leaders have any association with criminals or traffickers. He urged people to report drug-related activities via the government-issued helpline or to members of anti-drug committees established at village and block levels. “The police will take immediate action upon receiving your complaints,” he assured.