The Punjab government’s campaign "War Against Drugs" is being carried out on a large scale against drug peddlers and the drug trade. The government, with public support, has pledged to continue this battle until drugs are eradicated.
As part of this campaign, Faridkot Police and the district administration took significant action in Kotkapura. With the involvement of the police, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Kotkapura, and municipal authorities, illegal properties and encroachments belonging to drug traffickers were demolished.
SSP Dr. Pragya Jain provided details about the individuals targeted in this operation. Many of them were notorious drug traffickers with a criminal history.
1. Alla Rakha (son of Preet Ram), resident of Indira Colony, Kotkapura:
Case No. 102 (06.05.2010) – IPC 307, 34, Kotkapura City Police Station
Case No. 50 (28.03.2019) – IPC 379, Kotkapura City Police Station
Case No. 36 (02.03.2021) – NDPS Act 21(B)/61/85, Kotkapura City Police Station
2. Lajja (wife of Sikandar), resident of Indira Colony, Tibba Basti, Kotkapura:
Case No. 108 (04.07.2019) – IPC 452, 354, 324, 506, Kotkapura City Police Station
Case No. 143 (12.07.2022) – NDPS Act 21(B)/61/85, Kotkapura City Police Station
Case No. 146 (13.07.2022) – IPC 341, 323, 324, 34, Kotkapura City Police Station
Case No. 156 (25.07.2024) – BNS 126(2), 115(2), 190, Kotkapura City Police Station
3. Nisha Rani (wife of Rajan), resident of Indira Colony, Tibba Basti, Kotkapura:
Case No. 25 (08.02.2025) – NDPS Act 21(B), 61, 85
4. Sona Devi (wife of Babble Ram), resident of Mohalla Chajjgharh, Tibba Basti, Kotkapura:
Case No. 37 (23.02.2025) – NDPS Act 21(B)/61/85, Kotkapura City Police Station
SSP Dr. Pragya Jain emphasized that under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's leadership, the Punjab government is aggressively cracking down on drug traffickers. Under DGP Gaurav Yadav’s directions, Faridkot Police has intensified its actions, resulting in:
189 drug traffickers arrested in the past two weeks, including 21 major smugglers.
Property worth ₹4.33 crores seized in just the past seven months.
Demolition of Illegal Encroachments
SDM Varinder Singh stated that the demolished structures were illegal encroachments on municipal land. The encroachers had been served two prior notices but refused to vacate, leading to bulldozer action.
Public Support & Reactions
Residents of Kotkapura expressed strong support for the government’s action and thanked the Chief Minister. They appreciated the efforts of the police and district administration, stating that action against drug traffickers is highly commendable.
They also raised slogans of "Punjab Government Zindabad!"
Government’s Commitment to Rehabilitation
Officials assured the public that the Punjab government is committed to eradicating drugs and will provide full support in rehabilitating affected individuals through medical treatment and social reintegration.