Centre Seeks Punjab Reports on Two Deaths

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the Centre would seek Punjab’s response to the October 13 killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota and the death of Gulzar Singh in Dirba, escalating a political dispute over drug trafficking and public safety in the state. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs sent communications requesting reports on the incidents, according to the supplied accounts. The Ministry also sought information on Punjab’s anti-narcotics measures, including enforcement structures and coordination between agencies. A separate request concerned an attack in Gurdaspur in which one man died and two others were critically injured; the Ministry cited allegations of a link to narcotics. Shah blamed the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, for what he described as worsening concerns over drugs, organised crime and law and order. He asked who would take responsibility for residents’ safety and called for action against drug networks and an impartial investigation into any political protection of criminals. Shah also said a future BJP government in Punjab would work to combat drugs and organised crime. Mann responded by pointing to the Border...