Cheema Says Amit Shah Must Answer for Gangsterism, Extortion, Drug Trafficking

Chandigarh: Punjab minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Monday launched a sharp attack on the BJP ahead of Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to Punjab, demanding answers from the party-led Centre on the issues of gangsterism, drug trafficking and extortion.

He said the Union home minister must explain what concrete action the Centre and the Gujarat government had taken against criminal networks linked to jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi who is lodged in Sabarmati Jail, and why concerns over threatening calls and extortion continued to surface.

"Amit Shah travels across the country claiming to understand the problems faced by different states. Before coming to Punjab, he must answer the questions being raised by people across the country about gangsterism, drug trafficking, extortion and the safety of ordinary citizens.

"The BJP cannot evade responsibility on these serious issues," said Cheema here.

Shah on Sunday announced that he will visit Punjab on October 20 and meet the family members of those who recently lost their lives for raising their voices against the drug menace in Mansa, Sangrur and Gurdaspur.

The Union minister also alleged that the AAP government in Punjab has spared no effort in "pushing the state into the abyss of drugs".

Raising the issue of Bishnoi, the AAP leader said, "Serious cases involving murder, extortion and kidnapping have been registered against Bishnoi in different parts of the country. Despite his being lodged in Gujarat's Sabarmati Jail, reports of criminal activities and threatening phone calls in his name continue to emerge. This is a matter of grave concern."

"Why have the Union home ministry and the Gujarat government not provided clear answers about the alleged operation of criminal networks from inside prisons? Amit Shah must explain what concrete steps have been taken to dismantle these networks, prevent threatening calls and stop extortion," he said, adding that the public also deserves to know whose accountability has been fixed in such cases.

Referring to reports of a firing incident targeting actor Tiger Shroff in Mumbai, Cheema said, "Concerns are growing over the security of prominent actors, business people and ordinary citizens. Whenever criminal gangs are linked to serious incidents or threats, the government must ensure an impartial investigation and strict action against those responsible."

He demanded that the incident be investigated fairly and the facts be placed before the public, adding that protecting citizens must remain the government's foremost responsibility.

Questioning the BJP's law and order claims, Cheema asserted, "Reports of gang wars, shootings, extortion and drug trafficking continue to emerge from states such as Haryana, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Maharashtra. The BJP claims to ensure strong law and order across the country, but people want to know what is actually being done to dismantle criminal networks and protect young people from drugs."

"Crime cannot be prevented through political speeches alone. It requires accountability, effective investigations, coordination among law enforcement agencies and decisive action against criminals," he said.