All it takes is a few thousands and some grams of heroin. This statement from a senior Punjab Police officer reflects growing concern over the ease of recruiting killers amid a crime wave in the state. The pipeline, steady and loaded, is being fueled by drugs and a lack of jobs, police say, as drug addicts today become tomorrow's assassins.
Low-Cost Crimes
The sums paid for recent crimes highlight how youngsters are killing for a pittance. For instance, grenade attacks on a police outpost in Patiala (April 1, 2025) and another in Haryana's Ajimgarh (April 6, 2025) were carried out for just Rs 5,500 each. Those contracted were offered Rs 3-4 lakh but pulled the pin for a fraction, with the promise of payment later.
Police attribute this trend to the intersection of drug addiction and unemployment, which makes vulnerable youth easy targets for criminal networks. The low cost of these hitmen is a worrying development, as it lowers the barrier for violent crime.
