The Punjab government has launched a demolition drive targeting notorious drug hotspots across the state on Monday, March 3. The latest operation in Bathinda's Bir Talab area shows the administration's zero-tolerance policy under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who has set a three-month deadline to eradicate drug abuse.
The demolition in Bir Talab focused on a site linked to illegal land use and drug activity. According to SSP Bathinda, Amneet Kondal, the area was identified as a significant drug hotspot. The operation was carried out with the assistance of the civil administration, following reports of illicit use of government land by Kulwinder Kaur, the wife of Suraj Singh, a resident of Bir Talab. Suraj Singh has multiple cases registered against him, including charges under the NDPS Act and Excise Act, and is currently in jail for obstructing a public servant on duty.
"The civil administration said they needed help from the police to carry out the demolition so that law and order is maintained... 9 FIRs are already registered against Suraj Singh, 5 out of which are under the NDPS Act and 3 cases are registered under the Excise Act, and recently, one case was registered against him for causing obstruction to public servant on duty, for which he is currently lodged in Bathinda Jail," SSP Bathinda Amneet Kondal.
Also Read | Punjab Police demolish unauthorised structures of drug smugglers.
This action is part of a broader statewide campaign that includes mass raids and arrests. Recently, the Punjab Police conducted a massive operation, raiding over 750 locations with approximately 12,000 personnel involved. The police have also cordoned off 369 drug hotspots and conducted nearly 800 raids, leading to the arrest of 290 drug smugglers and the recovery of significant quantities of narcotics.