Shillong, December 17: Former Punjab Congress chief, Navjot Singh Sidhu, made startling allegations on Saturday, asserting that the sale of drugs was rampant within the state’s jails. Sidhu went on to declare that he would exit the political arena if evidence emerged refuting his claims.
India Today stated that taking a direct aim at Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Sidhu criticized him for inadequate action on issues ranging from law and order to the influence of the drug mafia within the state’s prisons. Emphasizing the urgency, he highlighted the High Court’s directive to formulate a policy within a week, questioning the role of CM Bhagwant Mann, who also holds the portfolio of Jail Minister. Sidhu specifically pointed out the alarming trade of drug tablets behind bars, vowing to step away from politics if proven wrong.
Sidhu’s credibility stems from his own experience, having spent 10 months in jail following a Supreme Court verdict sentencing him to one-year rigorous imprisonment in connection with a 1988 road rage case, resulting in the death of Patiala resident Gurnam Singh. Despite the severity of the sentence, Sidhu’s good conduct during imprisonment led to an early release.
These revelations coincide with the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s recent instruction to the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) to compile a status report detailing individuals grappling with drug addiction in both states.
In a broader critique, Sidhu lambasted the AAP government in Punjab, highlighting concerns over escalating debt and a deteriorating law and order situation. He alleged that the state government misappropriated central funds, leading the Union government to withhold a substantial sum of Rs 8,000 crore earmarked for Punjab. Furthermore, Sidhu noted the state government’s financial constraints, indicating its inability to contribute the designated 40 per cent share in a central scheme.