CHANDIGARH: Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Punjab on October 20 and is likely to meet the family of slain anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa, amid growing concern over attacks on people opposing the drug trade.
BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu announced the visit on Sunday. However, the Home Minister’s detailed official itinerary, including the timings and confirmation of the proposed family meetings, was awaited.
Shah is also expected to visit Gurdaspur district to meet the family of Bikramjit Singh, who was allegedly killed after opposing drug sales. A visit to the family of daily-wage labourer Gulzar Singh in Sangrur is also being considered. The proposed stops remain subject to the final programme.
Jhota was shot dead in Mansa on October 13, allegedly by a medical store owner following a confrontation over suspected drug-related activities. His killing sparked protests and demands for accountability, bringing the safety of anti-drug activists into sharp focus.
Bikramjit Singh was allegedly killed at Mari Panwan village in Gurdaspur district on October 15 after opposing drug sales. Gulzar Singh, a labourer from Toor Banjara village in Sangrur, died allegedly by suicide in September. His family alleged that he faced pressure after questioning Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema about drug availability at a public meeting.
Shah’s proposed meetings with the families come after his criticism of the Punjab government over drugs, gangsterism and organised crime.
In a statement on October 16, the Home Minister questioned who would take responsibility for the security of Punjab’s people. Referring to Jhota’s killing and Gulzar Singh’s death, he said the Union Home Ministry would seek the state government’s response on both incidents.
Announcing the forthcoming visit, Bittu called for decisive action against drugs and appealed for public support for the BJP’s campaign for a drug-free Punjab.
The proposed visit is politically significant ahead of the Assembly elections expected in early 2027, with drugs and public safety emerging as major issues in the state.