PTC News Desk: The Congress on Thursday accused the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab of failing to protect people fighting against drugs. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi cited incidents in Mansa and Sangrur, alleging that those raising their voices against drugs were facing violence, threats and even death.

Rahul criticised the Punjab government and demanded answers from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. He asked who would protect those trying to save Punjab’s youth from drug addiction.

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Referring to the murder of Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa, Rahul said the anti-drug activist was running the ‘Nasha Roko, Rozgar Do’ campaign when he was shot in broad daylight. The incident was captured during a Facebook Live session.

Rahul also mentioned the death of labourer Gulzar Singh in Sangrur, the Chief Minister’s home district. He said Gulzar had raised the issue of drugs in his village in front of a minister. According to Rahul, Gulzar’s family alleged that he was pressured to apologise. He later died by suicide.

The Congress leader also referred to allegations of custodial torture involving Mohanjeet Singh, who had spoken out against drugs in Sangrur. Rahul said the matter was now before the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

Rahul also questioned the police investigation into Jhota’s case. He alleged that after Jhota filed a complaint, the police registered an FIR but later named Jhota himself as an accused.

“When the person who files a complaint is himself made an accused, why would drug traffickers not operate without fear?” Rahul asked.

Demanding accountability from Chief Minister Mann, Rahul said the Punjab government must explain how it would protect people who challenge the drug trade.

“The Congress will not rest until this drug empire, which is destroying the future of Punjab’s youth, is dismantled,” Rahul said.