Sunil Jakhar challenges Punjab Govt to make drug survey report public, seeks CBI, NIA probes
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, October 26, 2026: Former Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar on Monday challenged the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government to make public its statewide drug survey report, alleging that the exercise was aimed at understanding and taking control of the illicit drug trade rather than eliminating it.
Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, Jakhar questioned the whereabouts of the report despite an alleged expenditure of ₹250 crore and the deployment of 28,000 employees for the survey. He claimed that around 65 lakh families had been subjected to the exercise but its findings had not been made public.
Jakhar alleged that the survey was intended to map the drug supply chain, from procurement to distribution, and develop what he described as a business model for controlling the trade. He accused AAP leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia of being behind the alleged strategy, rather than Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
The allegations were made by Jakhar at the press conference. The claims regarding the survey’s purpose and the alleged involvement of political leaders were not independently established in the material provided.
Jakhar links drug inspector case to alleged supply-chain control
Referring to the Director General of Police’s reported statement that pharmaceutical drugs accounted for 80 per cent of substance abuse, Jakhar alleged that the government was seeking control over the pharmaceutical drug supply chain.
He also raised questions about a drug inspector who was allegedly caught with substantial sums of money linked to corruption. Jakhar claimed the official was subsequently reinstated and appointed Drug Controller, and alleged that the move was part of an effort to bring the drug trade under government influence.
Jakhar did not provide independently verified evidence in the material supplied to establish that the appointment was connected to the alleged drug-trade plan.
Raises questions over Harry’s escape to Dubai
Jakhar also referred to a heroin seizure by Nathana police in 2023, involving four kilograms of heroin. He said the investigation had identified Harry, who was lodged in Ferozepur jail, as a principal accused.
According to Jakhar, Harry had been sentenced to 20 years in a murder case in Abohar and faced seven other cases. He alleged that Harry was granted parole in 2024 with the involvement of the Fazilka Deputy Commissioner and Senior Superintendent of Police, after which he absconded and reached Dubai.
Jakhar further alleged that Harry continued to operate drug-trafficking and extortion networks from abroad, with activities stretching from Abohar to Ludhiana. He questioned why the police had allegedly closed the file despite the seriousness of the accusations.
These claims concerning the parole process, Harry’s whereabouts and alleged criminal activities were not independently verified in the material provided.
Seeks probe into constable Karam Singh case
The BJP leader also cited the case of constable Karam Singh, who was associated with the anti-drone system known as “Baaz”. Jakhar said 25 kilograms of heroin had been recovered from the constable and that he had admitted to arranging another 24 consignments.
He questioned whether the constable had acted alone or whether other officials were involved, calling for investigators to examine the possible links beyond the individual accused.
Jakhar also referred to alleged drug seizures by the Narcotics Control Bureau involving sarpanches and political figures said to be associated with AAP in Punjab’s border belt. He claimed these cases pointed to a wider network involved in the procurement, transportation and sale of drugs.
Urges CBI to investigate Drug Controller’s office
Jakhar called on the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to widen its investigation into the Parvinder Singh “Jhota” case in Mansa and begin examining the Drug Controller’s office in Chandigarh rather than limiting the inquiry to chemist shops.
He argued that investigators should focus on those allegedly directing the supply chain and follow the evidence wherever it leads. He said he would write to the Union Home Minister seeking a CBI investigation into the cases involving Harry and constable Karam Singh.
Jakhar also called for a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), alleging that the cases involved international drug trafficking and weapons smuggling. He said the agency was equipped to investigate the alleged cross-border links.
Questions Chief Minister’s response to Jhota family
Jakhar criticised Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for allegedly not visiting Mansa to meet the family of Parvinder Singh Jhota and share its grief. He also questioned the Health Minister’s silence over concerns surrounding pharmaceutical drug abuse and the allegations involving the drug inspector.
He further alleged that public trust in the state government had eroded and raised the issue of the Guri Chahal matter, claiming that an investigation had not begun despite High Court orders.
Jakhar expressed confidence that Union Home Minister Amit Shah would act against what he described as an organised drug network in Punjab.
The Punjab government and the individuals named in Jakhar’s allegations were not represented in the material provided. The claims concerning political patronage, official appointments, parole, drug trafficking and weapons supply require independent verification and responses from those accused.