CHANDIGARH, June 26 — Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday said his government had secured “substantive and irrefutable proof” against individuals arrested in connection with drug rackets and illicit wealth accumulation through narcotics trade.
Though he did not name Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia directly, Mann’s remarks came a day after Majithia was arrested by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau in an ongoing investigation into financial irregularities and alleged involvement in the drug trade.
“The mobiles, laptops, and documents seized, along with investigations into his business dealings, have given us enough evidence to nail him,” Mann said in a press briefing. “A proper money trail has been established.”
Majithia is expected to be presented before a court shortly, where the Vigilance Bureau is likely to seek his remand.
Rejecting accusations of political vendetta, Mann asserted that his administration had finally taken down a “big crocodile in the illicit drug trade.” He added, “Earlier, opposition parties claimed we were only targeting small-time peddlers. Now that we have arrested the kingpin, they are crying foul.”
The Chief Minister also warned that another “big fish” would soon be in custody and announced plans to demolish any properties built using drug money. “Those who are backing him could be knee-deep in similar illegal activities themselves,” he said.
Mann emphasized that his government’s recent crackdown was reshaping Punjab’s political dynamics. “The entire opposition seems to have ganged up. This has now become AAP versus all,” he said.
He maintained that no one—no matter how politically powerful—would be spared. “We disrupted the supply chains earlier by arresting drug suppliers. Now, the focus is on those who run and finance the entire racket,” Mann declared.
The arrest of Majithia marks a significant escalation in the state’s anti-drug campaign and signals the Mann government’s intent to pursue high-profile targets accused of fostering Punjab’s narcotics crisis.
