Chandigarh: Reacting to the alleged murder of an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) and incidents of vandalism and arson by inmates inside jails, Congress MP from Gurdaspur and former Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, on Sunday stated that the state is currently passing through an extremely sensitive phase and that the situation is beginning to resemble the turbulent 1990s.
Randhawa Warns of Escalating Danger
He warned that if immediate steps are not taken, the coming days could become even more dangerous. In a written statement, Randhawa said, "Gangsters have effectively taken control of Punjab's jails. Prisoners are openly indulging in hooliganism, vandalism, and arson inside prisons, while videos show inmates possessing mobile phones, clearly indicating the complete failure of the jail administration. Criminals are being provided VIP facilities inside Punjab's prisons."
Murder of ASI Joga Singh Shakes State
On the daylight murder of ASI Joga Singh, the Congress MP said the incident had shaken the entire state. "If police officers themselves are not safe, one can easily imagine the condition of ordinary citizens," he added. Randhawa further remarked, "Punjab's situation is gradually turning into that of the 1990s, when both police personnel and common citizens were regularly targeted."
The former deputy chief minister emphasized the need for immediate and decisive action to restore law and order in the state. He called upon the state government to take stringent measures to curb the growing influence of gangsters and ensure the safety of both police personnel and the general public.
