Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders on Friday launched a scathing attack on the Punjab government, alleging that rising crime and inadequate policing have transformed Mohali into a "safe haven for gangsters." The leaders squarely blamed the state administration for what they described as a significant decline in law and order, voicing their concerns during a press conference in Mohali.
Mohali as a Criminal Nexus
BJP state vice-president Subhash Sharma asserted that numerous major crimes reported across Punjab have direct links to Mohali. "Because of the failure of the state government, Mohali has become a shelter for criminals. In many serious cases across Punjab, you will find some connection to Mohali," he alleged. Sharma was joined by BJP Mohali district president Sanjeev Vashisht, senior leader Ranjit Singh Gill, and district media in-charge Chandrashekhar, who collectively highlighted the deteriorating security situation.
Daylight Killing Reflects Brazen Criminality
Sharma pointed to the recent daylight killing of a youth outside the Mohali Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) office as a stark example of emboldened criminals. "A man was shot dead in broad daylight outside the SSP office. This shows that gangsters are openly challenging the Punjab government and the police," he said. He further criticized the state's anti-crime initiatives, labeling the much-publicized "Mission Prahar" as ineffective. "Despite tall claims, major crimes continue to take place," he added, questioning the campaign's impact on ground reality.
Police Manpower Crisis Amid Population Boom
Sanjeev Vashisht raised alarms over a widening gap between Mohali's population growth and police strength. He claimed that while the district's population has surged from approximately 5-7 lakh in 2002 to around 20 lakh today, police personnel numbers have drastically fallen. "In 2002, there were about 3,500 police personnel. Today, it is less than 1,000," Vashisht stated. This severe staff shortage, he explained, is crippling police station operations, leading to delays of 24-48 hours in recording statements after incidents, thereby hampering investigations.
Chief Minister Accused of Neglecting Governance
Sharma accused Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of prioritizing national politics over Punjab's governance. "He is travelling outside the state and using resources to expand his party, while ignoring the deteriorating law and order situation here," he alleged. The BJP leader cited frequent reports of firing incidents at weddings, attacks on sarpanches, and shootings outside homes as evidence of the state's security breakdown.
Rising Extortion Threats Add to Woes
Extortion threats have become a growing concern, according to Sharma. "Even small traders are getting threat calls. If someone buys a vehicle, they get an extortion call by evening. People are being asked for protection money even after registering property," he claimed. This pervasive sense of insecurity, he noted, has left families anxious about their children's safety, with many fearing for their well-being in what was once considered a peaceful region.
Appealing for immediate governmental action, Sharma emphasized the urgency of the situation. "The government must act before the situation worsens," he urged, calling for robust measures to restore public confidence and curb criminal activities in Mohali and across Punjab.
