Chandigarh [India], August 22 (ANI): Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring on Saturday pointed out the deep drug crisis in the state, while hitting out at Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and accusing him of "diverting attention" from the issue.
Addressing a press conference, Warring emphasised the seriousness of the drug addiction problem in Punjab, claiming that drugs are being delivered to households like "pizza and burgers," with a single pouch costing Rs 3,500.
"The Punjab government wants to divert attention. Drug addiction has become an extremely serious issue and remains as severe as ever. Whenever you visit any village or city and see this menace, the only plea everywhere is to save our children. The government had claimed they would eradicate drugs within three months. Today, drug abuse has increased fourfold compared to before--it is being delivered just like pizza and burgers. A single pouch costs ₹3,500. Reports published between August 14 and August 20 reveal that 7 to 8 deaths have already occurred due to drugs," said Warring.
The Ludhiana MP further questioned the roles of the Punjab DGP and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in countering the drug menace. He raised questions about the expenditure on anti-drug campaigns and asked about actions taken by the state government against local SSPs or police commissioners, citing earlier announcements made by the CM and DGP.
"The DGP covers up for the government and has not issued a single statement. Crores of rupees were spent on anti-drug campaigns, yet news is suppressed because if anyone reports on an incident, the local SHO gets the information deleted. The DGP and the Chief Minister of Punjab had announced that after May 31, 2025, if any drug-related death occurs, the local SSP or Police Commissioner would be held responsible. So tell us, against which SSP has action actually been taken where a drug death was reported?" Warring questioned. (ANI)
Drugs being sold like "pizza, burgers": Raja Warring lambasts Bhagwant Mann over 'incompetence' towards drug menace in Punjab
