Punjab CM Backs Whistleblower Sarpanch, Orders Stern Action Against Drug Peddlers
A day after The Tribune brought attention to the efforts of Narangwal Kalan villagers in Ludhiana—led by their whistleblower sarpanch—against drug peddlers, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann not only praised the crusader but also directed Ludhiana (Rural) Police to take strict action against the accused.
Following orders from Ludhiana (Rural) SSP Ankur Gupta, the Jodhan police launched a crackdown on suspected drug peddlers. During the operation, a police team led by Jaswinder Singh apprehended Tanveer Singh near Drain Bridge, Narangwal, recovering 11 grams of heroin and two mobile phones from his possession.
Further investigations led to the inclusion of Balwant Singh and his wife Kulvir Kaur in the case against Tanveer Singh. The couple had earlier openly challenged people via social media to stop them from engaging in drug trade. In a late-night operation, the police also demolished parts of the premises owned by the duo, sending a strong warning to others involved in illegal activities.
SSP Ankur Gupta stated that the demolition was carried out based on proceedings initiated by the Panchayat and Civil Department. “Balwant Singh and Kulvir Kaur were named in the FIR registered against Tanveer Singh on Thursday for possessing heroin. The demolition was a continuation of earlier actions taken by the civil administration,” said Gupta, warning anti-social elements of similar consequences.
A review of the FIR revealed that the accused were already facing multiple cases.
In response to growing threats from alleged drug traffickers, villagers of Narangwal Kalan had publicly extended their support to Manjinder Singh—the village sarpanch and chairman of the Nasha Virodhi Committee—during a meeting held recently. Manjinder had convened the gathering after he and committee members received threats from those involved in drug trafficking and other criminal activities.
The issue gained prominence when The Tribune reported on the situation on Wednesday, drawing the attention of the Punjab government. Following the report, CM Bhagwant Mann personally reached out to Manjinder, assuring him of stringent action against the drug peddlers attempting to silence his efforts.
Leave A Comment