Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday declared that the war on drugs had entered a decisive phase, with the State Government now going after the masterminds of Punjabs drug trade, not just the foot soldiers. Without naming Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia, who was arrested a day earlier by the Vigilance Bureau in a disproportionate assets case linked to laundering over Rs 540 crore alleged drug money, Mann asserted that more big fish will be in the net soon in coming days and no one — regardless of power or position — will be spared.   All this time, they questioned us for not catching the big fish. Now that we have, theyre crying political vendetta, said Mann, visibly unflinching in tone. Those opposing our action are themselves involved. Those backing them are equally guilty and will be brought to book, even if theyre party presidents, he said while addressing the media at Chandigarh.   Though Majithias name was never explicitly mentioned during the entire conference, the message was unmistakable. The action is based on irrefutable, substantive evidence — mobiles, laptops, documents, hawala records, and a clear money trail. We have strong cases against 90 percent of the accused, many of whom havent even been granted bail, Mann said, adding that this time, assi pakke pairi han (loosely translated as we have indisputable evidence against Majithia).   He warned that more arrests were imminent, hinting at the impending demolition of properties built using drug money. You will soon see mansions made from drug proceeds being bulldozed, he said, emphasizing that this was not a symbolic campaign but a full-blown offensive to dismantle the drug empire in Punjab. This isnt just a government drive anymore — its a peoples movement. Panchayats are passing resolutions declaring zero tolerance for drug dealers. The houses of smugglers are being razed. This is all being done legally, with solid groundwork, he said.   The Chief Minister also expressed concern for his own safety, indicating that the crackdown had rattled powerful networks. They may want to harm me. But I am not afraid. Ive lived twice the age of Bhagat Singh. If I lose my life in the process of cleaning this filth, so be it. That would be a life well spent, he said.   Responding to whether the real war on drugs began with Majithias arrest, Mann remarked, The war began much earlier. Initially, we caught the sipahi (peddlers) — now the jarnails (generals) are being hunted down. Supply lines are broken, the cartel is shaken.   He said that drug lords with political and bureaucratic patronage operated with impunity until now. They ruined generations by pushing youth into addiction while building palatial houses on the ruins of broken families. We are here to dismantle this structure — brick by brick, he said.   Revealing that previous raids had failed due to moles within the police force, Mann said that several officers were transferred after it was found they were tipping off traffickers. We revamped the rehab centres. We knew that just breaking the supply line wasnt enough — we needed to help those already addicted. Thats why this campaign was carefully planned and is now showing results, he added.   Brushing aside the allegations of political vendetta, Mann cited SADs humiliating defeat in the Ludhiana West bypoll, where it polled just 8,000 votes. This is not vendetta. Had earlier governments acted properly, these people would already be behind bars. But they were watching each others backs, he said.   Responding to reports that Majithias arrest was linked to fresh financial trails, Mann confirmed that hawala transactions worth crores had surfaced recently. We received multiple complaints, but waited until we had clinching evidence. We will go after every person responsible — whether they are politicians, officers or well-connected individuals.   Mann reaffirmed his commitment to the people of Punjab, reiterating that those responsible for pushing drugs into society will be exposed and punished. People sold their land to send children abroad just to save them from drugs. We will reverse this. Well build a Rangla Punjab where youth dream big, not fall prey to addiction, he asserted.   Concluding, Mann called the campaign Yudh Nasheyan Virudh — a war against narcotics — saying that its success lies in public participation. People call us now saying the cartel is broken. Thats the change. This mission has gained momentum. This is AAP versus all — and the people are with us, he declared.

Stay updated with all the Chandigarh Latest News headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.