Thu Feb 26 11:10:56 UTC 2026: Headline: Anti-Drug Program in Faridkot Sparks Controversy Over Alleged Political Influence

The Story:
An anti-drug awareness program organized by the Faridkot police at Government Brijendra College (GBC) in Punjab turned contentious when a former student and student-union activist, Sukhbir Singh, questioned the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Faridkot, Dr. Pragya Jain, about alleged political influence and selective action in drug-related cases. The incident occurred during a question-and-answer session as part of the Punjab government’s “Yudh Nashiyan Viruddh” campaign. Sukhbir Singh raised concerns about influential individuals, politicians, and police personnel purportedly linked to drug cases not being held accountable.

The exchange led to disagreement, with Sukhbir Singh claiming his questions were not adequately addressed and Dr. Jain defending the police’s actions and advising students to critically evaluate online information. The college principal, Gulshan Ahuja, clarified that Sukhbir Singh is not a current student, while a former principal, Rajesh Mohan, advocated for a balanced assessment, acknowledging the police’s initiatives alongside criticisms.

Key Points:

  • The incident occurred at Government Brijendra College (GBC) in Faridkot during an anti-drug awareness program.
  • Sukhbir Singh, a former student and student-union activist, questioned SSP Dr. Pragya Jain regarding alleged political influence in drug cases.
  • Sukhbir Singh cited specific instances, including allegations against an AAP MLA’s personal assistant and security guard, and an unsolved murder case.
  • Dr. Jain defended the police’s actions, emphasizing the need for factual verification and the presence of personal and political motives in accusations.
  • The college principal clarified that Sukhbir Singh is not a current student.

Critical Analysis:
The provided historical context contains unrelated news snippets. Therefore, a critical analysis of strategic depth is not applicable.

Key Takeaways:

  • Public forums on sensitive issues like drug abuse can easily become platforms for raising broader grievances and accusations of political bias.
  • The credibility and relevance of participants in such programs are crucial for maintaining focus and preventing distractions.
  • Police responses to public scrutiny need to strike a balance between transparency and operational confidentiality.
  • The incident highlights the pervasive concern about drug-related issues and alleged political protection in Punjab.
  • Social media and public perception play a significant role in shaping narratives around law enforcement and political accountability.

Impact Analysis:
The incident has potential implications for the Punjab government’s anti-drug campaign. The controversy could erode public trust in the initiative if concerns about selective enforcement are not adequately addressed. Furthermore, the event may prompt closer scrutiny of police actions and political accountability in drug-related cases, potentially leading to increased pressure on law enforcement to demonstrate impartiality. The long-term impact will depend on how the government and police respond to the allegations and whether they implement measures to ensure transparency and fairness in their anti-drug efforts.

Read More