Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday, October 20, announced December 31, 2029, as the target to make Punjab and the country drug-free. During a press conference after visiting the families of three people whose deaths have raised concerns over the drug menace and alleged harassment in Punjab, Shah promised justice and urged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to hand over two more cases to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Shah visited Gurdaspur, Sangrur and Mansa during his day-long Punjab tour. He met the families of Bikramjit Singh in Gurdaspur, Gulzar in Sangrur and anti-drug activist Parwinder Singh Jhota in Mansa.
“I promise the people of Punjab that no matter who is involved, no matter how powerful they may be, we will track them down and bring them before the law,” Shah said.
He also urged the Punjab government to take action against those involved in the drug trade, stating that people opposing drugs were being killed while police personnel were also being caught in drug-related cases.
Referring to the Jhota murder case, Shah said Mann had taken the right decision by transferring the investigation to the CBI. He urged the Chief Minister to hand over the other two cases to the central agency as well.
“I would urge the CM to hand over the other two cases to the CBI as well,” Shah said, adding that the Centre would ensure those responsible were brought before the law.
Before Shah's visit, Mann had announced a CBI investigation into Jhota's murder.
The Union Home Ministry has also sought reports from the Punjab government regarding all three cases.
Shah began his visit in Gurdaspur, where he met Bikramjit Singh's family. During the meeting, he touched the feet of Bikramjit's mother, Surjit Kaur, and assured the family of a CBI investigation and justice.
He later met Gulzar's family in Sangrur. Gulzar had died by suicide after allegedly facing harassment for questioning Punjab minister Harpal Singh Cheema. Shah assured the family that justice would be delivered within two to three months.
The three cases were central to Shah's visit, which focused on meeting families who had lost loved ones in incidents linked to opposition to drugs or alleged harassment.
During the press conference, Shah accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab of failing to control the drug menace.
He said the state government had earlier promised to eradicate drugs but questioned the progress made towards that commitment. He also referred to cases in which police personnel had allegedly been found involved in drug-related activities.
Shah rejected criticism over drug seizures in BJP-ruled states, including Gujarat and Maharashtra. Referring to seizures worth ₹20,000 crore, he questioned whether the government should stop intercepting drugs and allow them to reach young people in Punjab.
“Is it even possible for drugs to enter Punjab without political patronage? It is absolutely impossible,” he said.
He also criticised the Punjab government's response to the issue, saying that families had lost their brothers and husbands and deserved answers from the state leadership.
Shah said making India drug-free was part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's broader vision for a developed country. He described December 31, 2029, as the deadline for achieving this goal, with particular focus on Punjab.
“I say that on 31 December 2029, we will end drugs from the country, and especially from Punjab, and make Punjab and the country drug-free. This is our resolution,” he said.
He also said he would use his influence to ensure justice for the families and seek the assistance of the High Court if required.
Shah's remarks came amid a political exchange between the BJP and the AAP government over the drug menace in Punjab. The Home Minister said his visit was intended to offer support to affected families and press for action against those responsible.
The investigations into the three cases remain central to the demand for accountability, while Shah has called on the Punjab government to transfer the remaining two cases to the CBI.
