Senior Congress leader and Jalandhar Cantt MLA Pargat Singh launched a scathing critique of the Punjab government's much-publicized "war against gangsters" campaign on Wednesday, highlighting a shocking incident that has raised serious questions about law and order in the state. Singh pointed to the recent murder at the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) office in Mohali as a glaring example of the deteriorating security situation under the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) administration.
Murder in a High-Security Zone Exposes Police Vulnerability
Pargat Singh expressed deep concern over the brazen nature of the crime, where gangsters reportedly entered the heavily guarded SSP Mohali office, committed a murder, and fled without immediate police intervention. "If murders can happen in the highly secure SSP Mohali office, how can ordinary people in Punjab feel safe?" he questioned, emphasizing the alarming implications for public safety. This incident, according to Singh, starkly contradicts the police's claims of actively hunting down criminals, instead showing gangsters boldly operating at the very doorstep of law enforcement.
Congress Leader Accuses AAP of Staging Shows Over Substance
The Congress leader asserted that the AAP government has consistently failed to maintain law and order since taking office. He accused the party of engaging in superficial events and campaigns, such as the current anti-gangster drive, merely to create an illusion of action while the ground reality spirals out of control. "The deteriorating law and order situation has spiralled beyond the control of the Aam Aadmi Party and chief minister Bhagwant Mann," Singh stated, adding that criminals are now openly challenging the police and government with impunity.
Government's Anti-Gangster Campaign Under Scrutiny
Singh called on the Punjab government to provide clarity and accountability regarding its anti-gangster efforts. He noted that despite deploying 2,000 teams comprising 12,000 police personnel to eliminate gangsters, the state has witnessed audacious crimes that suggest a lack of fear among criminals. "The government must explain who these fearless criminals are, committing crimes without any fear of the police," he demanded, labeling the Mohali incident as a direct slap in the face to the administration's campaign.
Police Inaction and High Court Involvement Highlight Failures
Raising critical questions about police efficacy, Pargat Singh asked why law enforcement did not act promptly against the criminals involved in the SSP office murder. He argued that this inaction exposes significant police failures and undermines public trust. Furthermore, he highlighted that the Punjab and Haryana High Court's decision to summon the SSP Mohali in connection with the case serves as further proof of the government's incompetence in handling security matters.
In conclusion, Singh reiterated that the AAP's approach to governance has been marked by showmanship rather than substantive action, leaving Punjab's residents vulnerable in an increasingly lawless environment. The incident at the SSP office, he stressed, is not just an isolated crime but a symptom of a broader breakdown in law and order that demands urgent attention and reform from the state leadership.
