Chandigarh, March 18 — The Punjab government has warned that any Lambardar found acting as a guarantor for drug offenders will be stripped of their title, AAP state president and Cabinet minister Aman Arora said on Tuesday.
Following a meeting with police and administrative officials at the District Administration Complex, Arora said the government is closely monitoring Lambardars, Sarpanches, and Municipal Councillors (MCs) accused of securing bail for drug peddlers.
“In rural areas and towns, some Lambardars, Sarpanchs, and MCs are providing bail bonds for drug offenders in exchange for money. We will write to Deputy Commissioners to revoke the titles of such corrupt Lambardars,” Arora said.
As a member of the Cabinet Sub-Committee formed by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to combat drug trafficking, Arora reviewed the progress of the government’s ‘War on Drugs’ initiative. He claimed the recent crackdown has disrupted a long-standing narcoterrorism nexus involving politicians, police officials, and drug lords.
During the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Patiala Dr Preeti Yadav reported a 25% rise in footfall at Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment (OOAT) clinics since the launch of the Yudh Nashian Virudh (War Against Drugs) campaign. She said authorities are conducting regular inspections at drug de-addiction centers and OOAT clinics.
Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dr Nanak Singh said the police have registered 60 FIRs, arrested 85 individuals, recovered a significant quantity of drugs, and conducted 28 CASO (Cordon and Search Operations) in the district under the drive.
Reacting to the recent encounter of an assailant involved in the attack on Amritsar’s Thakurdwara temple, Arora said, “Punjab Police will ensure that anyone involved in anti-national activities has a meeting fixed with God.”
