Extortion, Grenade Attacks and Drugs: BJP Slams Mann Govt in Punjab
New Delhi, October 29: Escalating crime in Punjab has drawn a strong response from BJP MP Tarun Chugh, who has targeted the Bhagwant Mann government led by the Aam Aadmi Party. Chugh asserted that criminal activity is growing and that the state has become the 'crime capital' of India.
In a media interaction in New Delhi, Chugh described an extortion racket that he said is spreading across Punjab. According to him, people are being called and asked to hand over money, and those who refuse face physical attacks. He said the fear created by such incidents is pushing residents to pay, and that people are effectively paying both the state government and the mafia.
The BJP MP argued that these developments point to a complete breakdown of the state's policing system. He said police stations and police personnel have been pushed aside and that the pressure exerted by AAP officials, MLAs and ministers has made the Punjab Police force ineffective. He also alleged that criminals are working without any hesitation and that narcotics are being sold in the open.
Chugh pointed to a series of serious incidents. He said 23 police stations have come under grenade attacks, and that the headquarters of the Punjab Police was targeted with a rocket launcher. He also said the chief minister appears unconcerned about these developments.
Highlighting the role of police stations in maintaining public confidence, Chugh said that the police uniform and the station are what make citizens feel secure and free from fear. He warned that when police stations themselves are under grenade attack, ordinary citizens lose the assurance that uniformed officers and police stations are there to protect them.
He described how tin and mesh walls are being erected around police stations across many villages to prevent grenades from being thrown inside. In his assessment, this shows that police stations in Punjab are operating under constant threat. He also said senior Punjab Police officials have given written directions asking personnel not to go home in uniform.
Chugh alleged that the Punjab government has surrendered before the mafia and that the state is now under the control of the drug mafia. Drugs, he said, are being sold in every street, neighbourhood and village. He argued that the Bhagwant Mann-led administration and government have not been able to stop the trade or break its supply chain.
He concluded by accusing Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of neglecting the people of Punjab. While the state is in turmoil, Chugh said, the chief minister travels abroad with his family and enjoys tourism. In his view, this conduct is directly harming the image of Punjab.