States » NorthPosted at: Oct 26 2026 4:49PM


Punjab drug census under scrutiny as Jakhar demands findings, questions government spending

Neeraj Bali
Chandigarh, Oct 26 (UNI) The Punjab government's multimillion-rupee drug census came under fresh political scrutiny on Monday as senior BJP leader Sunil Jakhar demanded publication of its findings and questioned why the administration had not publicly accounted for what the extensive household survey had achieved in tackling narcotics.
Jakhar accused the Bhagwant Mann government of failing to translate its anti-drug campaign into effective action, alleging that criminal networks continued to operate with protection from influential individuals within the political and administrative system.
"Where is the report?" Jakhar asked at a press conference, challenging the government to disclose the results of an exercise involving around 28,000 personnel and millions of households.
The census, launched in April, was designed to assess drug dependence, identify vulnerable communities and guide rehabilitation policies. Although Jakhar put its cost at Rs 250 crore, publicly reported budget allocations have varied. The exercise has covered more than 55 lakh households, with the government moving towards analysis of the collected data.
Jakhar went beyond questioning expenditure, alleging that the government had sought detailed information about narcotics distribution networks for improper commercial purposes.
He accused AAP leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia of devising a strategy to gain control over the illegal drug business. He offered no independently verifiable evidence establishing that allegation.
The BJP leader also questioned the handling of a corruption case involving a Punjab drug inspector, alleging that the official had subsequently secured a senior position in the state's drug regulatory establishment despite the earlier recovery of substantial assets.
Jakhar said the appointment warranted examination of the government's oversight of pharmaceutical distribution, particularly amid concerns about the misuse of prescription medicines.
He urged the Central Bureau of Investigation to examine the Drug Controller's office in Chandigarh as part of its investigation into the killing of Mansa anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota.
Rather than concentrating only on medical stores, investigators should establish whether weaknesses in regulatory supervision had allowed illegal pharmaceutical distribution networks to operate, he argued.
Jakhar cited two other cases to question enforcement accountability.
In one, he alleged that a convicted criminal identified as Harry had obtained parole in 2024 and subsequently fled to Dubai, from where he continued directing drug trafficking and extortion activities.
In another, he referred to Constable Karam Singh, allegedly linked to the recovery of 25 kg of heroin and additional cross-border consignments. Jakhar demanded an investigation into whether other personnel or senior officials had assisted the alleged trafficking operation.
He said the suspected international connections justified investigation by the National Investigation Agency and announced plans to approach union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Jakhar also criticised Mann for not visiting Jhota's family following the activist's killing, arguing that the government owed greater accountability to people confronting the drug trade.
The BJP leader's allegations come amid continuing controversy over drug trafficking, cross-border smuggling and the role of pharmaceutical substances in Punjab's narcotics problem.
The state government has maintained that the census is intended to improve treatment and rehabilitation through evidence-based policies, alongside its enforcement campaign against traffickers.
The claims concerning political protection, regulatory appointments and the alleged escape of offenders require independent investigation. No fresh response from the AAP government to Jakhar's October 26 allegations was available at the time of writing.
Beyond the political accusations, the immediate issue raised by Jakhar is whether the government will publish the survey's findings, explain how the information will shape anti-drug policy, and disclose what measurable action will follow.
UNI NB RSA
Tags: #Punjab drug census under scrutiny as Jakhar demands findings# questions government spending
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