The SAD has claimed “political vendetta” behind the action against Majithia.
Addressing reporters here, Mann said more prominent political figures involved in the drug trade would soon face arrest and their properties would be confiscated or demolished.
Following action against small-time drug smugglers, it is now the turn of the “jarnails”, or the big players, to face consequences for their involvement in the drug trade, he said.
Without naming Majithia, Mann said when it comes to drugs, he will not show any mercy and asserted that his government’s drive against this menace will continue.
“No matter how politically strong or influential one may be, I will not have mercy in the matter of drugs. I am accountable to Punjabis and I am indebted to them,” the chief minister said.
Referring to the matter involving Majithia, but without naming the Akali leader, he said the vigilance bureau has come up with a “foolproof” case.
Those who have so far been sent to jail in connection with drugs, “80-90 per cent of them could not secure bail”, he added.
Mann reiterated his government’s policy of zero tolerance toward drugs and powerful individuals who have either patronised or participated in the illicit trade.
While small smugglers acted as distributors, the real kingpins, who operated an extensive network, had long evaded accountability, he said, adding, “Their time is up.” Taking on opposition parties for condemning the action against Majithia, Mann said these are the same leaders who used to question the government for not taking steps against big smugglers.
It proves the existence of a political nexus shielding drug smugglers, he alleged.
“It shows that it is the AAP versus all,” the chief minister said.
Referring to the Majithia case, he said, “There is a case under the NDPS Act. There is a DA case. There have been transactions worth crores of rupees. Twenty-nine mobile phones, four laptops and eight diaries have been seized.” In the coming days, there will be more news of big fish being caught, Mann said.
“Whosoever is responsible for ruining the (future of) youngsters will face the strictest punishment. Be it anyone — even if they want to harm me as they see me as a thorn in their flesh. But we are not scared,” he said.
On Majithia’s case, the chief minister said he has been receiving calls from people from abroad, asking whether the action against the Akali leader followed substantive evidence. Mann added that he has told them that the investigators have everything.
Replying to a question on the case, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader said, “There have been illegal transfers of crores of rupees in banks. We had been receiving complaints and gathering proof.” “No one in any position should be arrogant. Bhagwant Mann is loyal to Punjab. We had promised to make the state ‘Rangla Punjab’. If they want to harm me, I do not care,” he asserted.
Mann said his government has been running an anti-drugs drive — “Yudh Nashian Virudh” — in the state and it has now turned into a public movement.
Villages are passing resolutions that they will not allow anyone to sell drugs, he said, adding that people are lauding the drive.
Mann said the mansions of drug smugglers and peddlers are being demolished.
He rejected the SAD’s allegation of “political vendetta” in arresting Majithia.
“How can it be political vendetta when the opposition has been rejected outright by the people of Punjab?” he asked.
The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) arrested Majithia on Wednesday, alleging that the former minister facilitated the laundering of more than Rs 540 crore of “drug money”.
The arrest came following a raid conducted by a bureau team at Majithia’s Amritsar residence.
According to the bureau, preliminary investigations have revealed that more than Rs 540 crore of “drug money” has been laundered through several ways and it was allegedly facilitated by Majithia.
A spokesperson of the bureau said assets, both immovable and movable, in the name of Majithia and his wife, Ganieve Kaur, increased substantially and no legitimate source of income was shown for the same.
Majithia, the brother-in-law of SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, is already facing a probe in a 2021 drugs case. PTI CHS RC