Union Home Minister Amit Shah put questions to the Bhagwant Mann administration in Punjab over drug trafficking networks, organised crime, and the protection of individuals who speak out against narcotics in the state. Raising the killing of Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa and the death of Gulzar Singh in Dirba, Shah stated that the Punjab government would be required to account for both incidents. He noted that the Union Home Ministry would be directing formal questions to the state government in connection with both matters.
In his capacity as Union Home Minister, Shah raised the issue of Punjab's public-order challenges, pointing to what he described as a growing problem with narcotics, gang activity, and organised crime across the state. The Punjab administration faced questions over its accountability for the safety of the state's residents. Shah also pointed to concerns about the welfare of individuals who speak out on drug-related matters.
Speaking at a public event, Shah argued that residents of Punjab would not be won over by publicity drives or policy announcements alone. Questions around safety and measurable progress on the ground have been raised publicly. Addressing drug networks through firm measures and launching an independent inquiry into reported links between officials and criminal activity were among the priorities he outlined. His remarks focused on policing conditions across the state and the protection of ordinary residents.
In a public address, Shah put forward commitments to rid Punjab of drug trafficking, dismantle gang networks, and establish greater security across the state. The pledge, delivered conditionally on electoral victory, called for the policy area to be pursued with the administration's full commitment. He outlined four areas he intended to address: curbing the narcotics trade, safeguarding young people's prospects, holding those who break the law to account, and restoring order through governance. In the same address focused on Punjab, he put forward a vision of the region as a place where every resident would feel safe.
During a statement on events of 13 October in Mansa district, Shah drew attention to the killing of Parvinder Singh Jhota. Parvinder had been putting questions to an operator of a medical shop about pills being sold for their intoxicating effects, based on the details available at the time. As the confrontation intensified, a weapon was drawn and shots were fired at the group. Parvinder was killed at the scene. Video footage of the killing is said to have been recorded through a Facebook Live stream he was running at the time.
A person has been taken into custody in connection with the killing of Parvinder Singh Jhota. A bulldozer was deployed at the property belonging to the accused. Questions about the protection available to those who speak out against narcotics trafficking have come into focus following the episode.
The death of Gulzar Singh in Dirba, Sangrur district, was among the cases Shah drew attention to, with Punjab's narcotics networks and organised criminal activity forming the backdrop for his remarks. Gulzar Singh took his own life on 7 September by ingesting poison, according to records. Reports indicate that he had raised questions with Punjab's Finance Minister about narcotics being openly sold within the village. Following those events, allegations surfaced that party workers affiliated with the Aam Aadmi Party had subjected him to intimidation and public humiliation. His family members have separately raised claims tied to the circumstances of his death.
Accusations directed at the Aam Aadmi Party administration and one of its sitting legislators have come forward in connection with the Gulzar Singh matter. The Union Home Ministry, according to Shah, will formally request explanations from the Punjab government regarding both incidents.
Remarks attributed to Shah have drawn attention to questions around narcotics trafficking, the capacity of authorities to manage organised crime, and the protection of those who speak out against drug networks in Punjab. Two separate matters are under scrutiny — a homicide case in Mansa and the circumstances surrounding Gulzar Singh's death in Dirba, along with the accusations that have arisen from it. How the Punjab government handles the investigations into these incidents, pursues action against the drug network, and addresses broader concerns about public safety and law enforcement remains to be seen.