'Now Big Players’ Turn': Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Hints At Crackdown On Drug Kingpins After Majithia’s Arrest (VIDEO)

Chandigarh: Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday said that following action against small-time drug smugglers, it is now the turn of the ‘Jarnails’ (the big players) to face consequences for their involvement in the drug trade.

Addressing newspersons, a day after the Punjab vigilance bureau (VB) arrested senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) Bikram Singh Majithia in a disproportionate assets (DA) case, Mann, who did not name Majithia, said while small smugglers acted as distributors, the real kingpins - who operated an extensive network - had long evaded accountability. “Now, their time is up,” Mann said and added that ``no matter how influential they are, those involved in the drug trade will not be spared”.

The chief minister further revealed that substantial evidence has been collected against those arrested, including records of significant ``hawala’’ transactions, which he said will serve as “the final nail in their coffin.”

Commenting on the arrest of Majithia, he said that cross-party statements in Majithia’s support prove the existence of a political nexus shielding drug smugglers.

The chief minister added that 29 mobile phones, eight laptops, and other crucial evidence have been recovered from Majithia’s residence. “His arrest has exposed the unholy alliance among traditional political parties on the drug issue. Their actions have devastated Punjab”, Mann said.

Every link in the chain of drug money is being investigated thoroughly, he said adding those who have accumulated vast wealth by supporting illegal activities will be held accountable. Dismissing accusations of political vendetta, Mann maintained that all actions have been taken in accordance with the law.