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Chandigarh: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Punjab president Sunil Jakhar on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, alleging that Punjab’s law-and-order situation has deteriorated alarmingly and asserting that only the BJP has the will and capability to rein in “uniformed extortionists” within the police force.
Addressing a press conference here on Sunday, Jakhar said that despite Punjab having as many as 17 DGP-rank officers and 13 ADGP-rank officers, the crime situation in the state continues to worsen. “In contrast, Haryana functions with just one DGP,” he remarked, questioning the effectiveness of policing in Punjab.
‘Kejriwal Missing, Gangsters Active’
Recalling AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal’s warning to gangsters in Tarn Taran on November 7, Jakhar said Kejriwal had challenged criminals to leave Punjab within seven days or face consequences.
“Instead of leaving, gangsters accepted the challenge and are committing crimes every day — while Kejriwal himself has not been seen in Punjab since then,” he alleged.
Jakhar claimed that hardly a day passes without incidents of shootings, robberies and ransom demands, and shared a list of severe crime cases reported over the past month.
‘Police Being Used for Election Manipulation’
Alleging misuse of the police force for political purposes, Jakhar said that after the failure of the Land Pooling Policy, those in power had “deployed the police for illegal extortion”.
“Police officers, who are accountable to the Constitution, have bowed before the ruling party and are being used to hijack elections and pressure citizens for illegal collections,” he said.
Referring to the Lawrence Bishnoi jail interview controversy, Jakhar noted that the DGP had submitted an affidavit in the High Court, claiming the interview had not taken place in Punjab. Still, a High Court-monitored probe later established that it had been conducted within the state.
Objection to Summons in Patiala SSP Audio Case
Jakhar also strongly objected to the summoning of political leaders and journalists in the Patiala SSP viral audio case, calling it deeply disturbing for democracy and press freedom.
He alleged that the police had branded the audio as AI-generated within just two hours, without any proper inquiry, and instead began issuing summons.
“There should have been an impartial investigation first, but the police have now become a tool of the government,” he said, urging all political parties and media organisations to unite against this injustice.
‘Central Agency Caught Punjab Cop Extorting Money’
The BJP leader further claimed that a Central government agency recently caught a Punjab Police officer red-handed while extorting money.
He said the Punjab Police is a capable force, but “a few individuals in uniform have damaged its reputation”.
Jakhar asserted that if the people of Punjab give the BJP an opportunity, such extortionists will be firmly dealt with and peace will be restored in the state.
Jakhar Asks CM Mann to Return from Japan
Urging Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to return from Japan immediately, Jakhar said the CM must personally ensure a fair and impartial investigation in the audio clip case.“The BJP will not sit quietly and will strongly oppose every injustice committed against the people of Punjab,” he warned.
