Congress MLA Raises Alarm Over Escalating Crime in Punjab's Doaba Region
Punjab Congress MLA Pargat Singh has expressed grave concern over a sharp spike in criminal activities across the Doaba region. He alleges that gangsters and criminals are operating with complete impunity in districts like Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, and Phagwara.
Recent Incidents Highlight Growing Lawlessness
Two recent murders have intensified fears among local residents. On Friday evening, unidentified assailants shot dead Aam Aadmi Party leader Balwinder Singh in Miani village of Hoshiarpur district. Two US-based men have claimed responsibility for this killing.
On the same day, another youth was fatally shot while returning from a private university in Jalandhar's Adampur area. These incidents represent the latest in a series of violent acts linked to extortion demands and gang rivalries.
MLA Points to Government Inaction
Pargat Singh directly blames the Punjab government for what he calls a complete collapse of law and order. He states that criminals have become emboldened due to administrative inaction.
"Incidents of robbery, extortion, gang wars, and murders have steadily increased under the current administration," Singh emphasized. "Scarcely a day passes without reports of firing or killings in both urban and rural areas."
Specific Examples of Criminal Activity
- In Phagwara, seven to eight rounds were fired early morning at Sudhir Sweets following an extortion demand
- In Lakhan Kalan village of Kapurthala, gangsters opened fire in broad daylight
- Organized crime syndicates have intensified targeting of businesses, with gold and silver jewellery worth approximately ₹1.25 crore stolen from Joy Jewellers in Hoshiarpur just three days ago
Cybersecurity Concerns Add to Problems
Pargat Singh also questioned the effectiveness of Punjab's cybersecurity systems. He referred to repeated bomb threat emails being sent to schools, colleges, district magistrate offices, courts, and railway stations across the state.
"Authorities have failed to identify or apprehend those responsible for these threats," Singh noted. He demanded that the government disclose the origin of these threats and detail concrete steps taken to address them.
Warning About Diversion of Police Resources
The Congress MLA warned that while police forces remain diverted by investigating hoax threats, hardened criminals are exploiting the situation to carry out serious crimes and escape. He held Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, who also holds the Home portfolio, directly responsible for the deteriorating security situation.
"The government is failing in its most basic duty—to protect the lives and property of Punjab's citizens," Singh stated. "Peace and public confidence are being systematically eroded while criminals operate freely."
Police authorities confirm they are investigating all the recent cases, but residents of the Doaba region continue to live under a cloud of fear and insecurity as criminal activities show no signs of abating.
