Punjab’s battle against the synthetic drug ‘chitta’ has intensified as people who expose the narcotics trade reportedly face threats, intimidation and killings.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who has declared a war on drugs, is set to meet the families of those killed for speaking out against the menace.
The drug crisis could become a key point of contention between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Punjab’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
Officials warn that chitta, an adulterated opioid derived from heroin, is devastating young lives and posing security challenges. Smugglers bring the drug into Punjab through the Golden Crescent route, which includes Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Studies suggest young addicts spend Rs 1,400 to Rs 2,000 daily on the drug.
Criminal networks allegedly exploit vulnerable youths to collect drone-dropped consignments, distribute narcotics and transport smuggled weapons.
Officials warn that some recruits may face pressure to carry out targeted killings. Intelligence officials report rising attacks on people exposing local drug networks.
Unidentified assailants shot dead anti-drug activist Parminder Singh Jhotta and killed 40-year-old Bikramjit Singh in Mari Panwan village.
Maninderjeet Singh Sidhu faced an abetment-to-suicide case after dealer Sukhjinder Singh alias Chinda died by suicide following a video exposing the drug trade.
Gulzar Singh reportedly died by suicide after facing pressure to apologise for questioning Chitta’s availability at a public meeting.
Shah has accused the Punjab government of worsening the crisis and warned that attempts to silence anti-drug voices would fail. The Union Home Ministry has sought a report from Punjab’s Chief Secretary on three drug-related deaths.
Officials call for better coordination between central and state agencies to curb drug trafficking, dismantle criminal networks and protect whistleblowers.
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