Chandigarh– Satnam Singh Chahal, Executive Director of the North American Punjabi Association (NAPA), has strongly condemned the recent rise in drug-related deaths and violent incidents across Punjab. He stated that the ongoing tragedy is not being addressed with the seriousness it deserves, and merely transferring police officers is a superficial step that will not solve the deep-rooted drug problem plaguing the state.
Chahal was reacting to a disturbing series of incidents in Punjab. On June 28, a young man named Akashdeep alias Bobby was found dead in a private godown in Tiwana Kalan village. On June 30, a man named Harsh, who had been addicted to heroin for three years, allegedly died after being tortured by a group of individuals. On July 1, a biker was discovered dead near a drain, with a syringe found beside him, clearly suggesting a drug overdose. On July 2, Manjit Kaur of Mahuana Bodla village reported that her son Mandeep Singh had been given drugs and then beaten to death by local accused.
“These are not just isolated tragedies — they are part of a much larger pattern that reflects a complete collapse of the state’s anti-drug machinery,” Chahal said. “Families are losing their young sons, and the criminals behind this drug network continue to operate freely. Who is protecting them? Why is there no serious crackdown on the drug mafia?”
He criticized the Punjab government’s usual response of transferring a few police officers whenever a case gains public attention. “This is not reform; it’s damage control. The government needs to go beyond symbolic actions and address the root causes of this crisis,” he added.
Chahal called for a comprehensive and independent investigation into the recent drug-related deaths. He demanded strict accountability for not only the drug traffickers but also the officials and political figures who might be shielding them. He also emphasized the need to empower honest officers who are willing to take on this fight without succumbing to political pressure or interference.
“The drug menace in Punjab is destroying an entire generation,” Chahal warned. “This is not just a law-and-order issue — this is a threat to the very future of Punjab. We must act now, with honesty, urgency, and resolve.”
He also appealed to civil society, religious leaders, and the Punjabi diaspora around the world to speak out and stand up for the people of Punjab. “We cannot let our youth die while the system turns a blind eye. We must break the backbone of this drug empire — and that requires going after its roots, not just trimming the leaves.”