Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Patiala: Illegal structure built by drug smugglers on Panchayat land demolished in Shermajra
Babushahi Bureau
Patiala (Punjab), June 1, 2025: In a major crackdown under the ongoing “War Against Drugs” campaign, Patiala Police today demolished an unauthorized house constructed by a notorious drug smuggler on panchayat land in the village of Shermajra.
The demolition was carried out using a JCB machine with police assistance, under the leadership of SSP Varun Sharma. Addressing the media, SSP Varun Sharma reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy against drug traffickers, stating,
“No drug smuggler will be spared. Under the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and DGP Gaurav Yadav, we are sending a clear message—quit the drug trade or leave Punjab.”
He further stated that today’s action targeted Rajinder Singh alias Ratha, son of Reetha Singh, against whom over half a dozen cases have been registered under the NDPS Act. He had illegally constructed a residence on Khasra No. 127, a piece of land owned by the village panchayat.
Following a resolution passed by the Shermajra Panchayat under Section 34 of the Gram Panchayati Raj Act, 1994, BDPO Patiala had requested police assistance to remove the illegal encroachment. Responding promptly, the police joined the civic authorities to carry out the demolition.
SSP Sharma emphasized that drug smugglers will be dealt with firmly and urged those involved in the illegal trade to reform and choose a better path.
“We will not allow criminal elements to profit off public land or damage the social fabric of our villages,” he said.
Under the ongoing anti-drug campaign, Patiala Police have registered 10 drug-related cases in Shermajra alone, and SSP Sharma stated that now, not a single known drug smuggler remains active in the village.
The action has been met with strong support from local residents, who lauded the administration’s decisive stand.Also present during the operation were SP City Vaibhav Chaudhary, DSP G.S. Sikander, SHO Ajay Porocha of Pasiana Police Station, and other officials.