SAD Seeks Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann’s Dismissal, Alleges Political Patronage of Drug Trade

A SAD delegation led by party president Sukhbir Singh Badal met the Governor and submitted a memorandum calling for action against ministers, legislators and civil and police officials accused of supporting drug trafficking and issuing arms licences to individuals involved in the drug trade.

The party also demanded that the ongoing Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into Jhota’s murder be expanded to cover two other cases involving individuals who allegedly opposed drug networks.

SAD seeks wider CBI investigation

The delegation urged the authorities to include the case of Gulzar Singh of Toor Banjara in Dirba, who reportedly named Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema in his dying declaration, and the killing of Bikramjit Singh of Hargobindpur Sahib, who was allegedly hacked to death for opposing the drug mafia.

Briefing the Governor, Badal said the proposed measures were necessary to restore public confidence as Punjab continued to grapple with drug-related challenges.

He said Jhota’s family deserved support from the state, describing it as a family that had made a sacrifice in the fight against drugs. Badal added that although Jhota’s father had not sought personal benefits, the government should ensure the family’s welfare.

The SAD president said Jhota’s widow, who works as a teacher, should be provided with a gazetted Class I government position, alongside ₹2 crore in compensation.

Badal alleges political-police nexus

Badal alleged that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann bore responsibility for Jhota’s death, citing a statement reportedly given to police by the activist’s father, Bhim Singh.

According to Badal, the father had alleged that his son fell victim to a politician-police nexus operating behind the drug trade in Punjab and claimed that the network enjoyed patronage at the highest levels, including from the Chief Minister.

The SAD president further claimed that Bhim Singh had stated that Jhota told him that Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav was behind false cases registered against the activist.

These allegations were cited by the SAD delegation in support of its demand for a broader investigation and action against those it accused of enabling the drug trade. The claims remain allegations presented by the party and were not independently established in the memorandum.

SAD calls for action against drug networks

The memorandum argued that the requested measures would send a strong message against drug trafficking and those allegedly protecting its perpetrators.

“Punjab and Punjabis have realised that the drug menace and its perpetrators and patrons are the number one enemy of the state and that they must be dealt with most sternly,” Badal said.

The delegation called on the Governor to consider the demands, including the proposed dismissal of the Chief Minister, financial assistance for Jhota’s family and an expanded CBI investigation into cases linked to alleged opposition to drug networks.

The demands place the SAD’s allegations against the state government and its call for accountability at the centre of the political debate over Punjab’s continuing fight against drugs.