Chandigarh(Chahal) PPCC President and MLA Pargat Singh has raised serious questions over the issuance of an arms licence to Ashwani Kumar, the owner of a medical store linked in his statement to the shooting of anti-drug activist Parminder Singh Jhota in Mansa. Singh alleged that the case raises concerns about possible political and police protection for the illegal sale of intoxicating medicines in Punjab.
According to Pargat Singh’s statement, five police cases had been registered against Ashwani Kumar, intoxicating substances had allegedly been recovered from his medical store, and the store’s licence had reportedly been cancelled three times. Despite this alleged history, Singh claimed, the Mansa administration issued Kumar an arms licence on August 21, 2024.
Singh also stated that the Congress government had banned the capsule in question in December 2021. He challenged the Aam Aadmi Party government to explain the basis on which the arms licence was granted despite the reported police cases and previous administrative action.
Pargat Singh Demands Accountability
The Congress leader questioned whether the prescribed procedures for issuing arms licences had been properly followed and called for accountability from the district administration and the police. His statement places the spotlight on a broader issue: whether authorities adequately investigate the backgrounds of arms-licence applicants, particularly when there are previous cases involving alleged drug-related activities.
Singh demanded a probe under the supervision of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, arguing that the circumstances surrounding the licence and the shooting warrant an independent examination.
The allegations and questions raised by Pargat Singh require verification through official police records, arms-licence documents and the relevant administrative orders. The circumstances of the shooting, the status of the cases against Ashwani Kumar and the reasons for granting the licence should be established through an impartial investigation. The concerned authorities should also be given an opportunity to respond.
The central question remains: On what grounds was the arms licence issued, and were all relevant legal and administrative requirements followed?