Less than a month after the Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered the CBI and NCB to conduct random raids on illegal drug sales, the investigation in Punjab has stalled because the state has not provided the required information.
The court expressed strong dissatisfaction, stating that Punjab’s inaction was not only blocking the inquiry but also harming public interest, as the probe aims to tackle the widespread drug problem in the region.
Earlier, the court had instructed the CBI, NCB, and police forces of Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh to work together to combat drug trafficking.
However, it noted that Punjab had failed to provide the information requested by the CBI and NCB since December 26, 2024.
Taking a serious view of the delay, the bench of Justice Deepak Sibal and Justice HS Grewal ordered Punjab to submit the requested data within 10 days. The court emphasized that the inquiry was crucial for the public and must not be hindered.
The High Court has been actively monitoring efforts to curb drug trade in Punjab and Haryana. It previously directed the CBI to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) with officials from the NCB and state police. The DGPs of Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh were also instructed to fully cooperate with the central agencies.
However, Punjab’s lack of compliance has now forced the court to intervene again.
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