Bollywood actor-cum-philanthropist Sonu Sood has thrown his weight behind the Punjab Police's campaign to combat the rising menace of drug abuse in the border state. In a heartfelt video message shared by the state Director General of Punjab Police Gaurav Yadav on social media, the actor passionately appealed to the public to contribute to the fight against drug addiction in Punjab.
In the video, Sonu Sood expressed his deep concern about the escalating issue of drug abuse among the youth in Punjab. Acknowledging Punjab’s history of vibrant and spirited youth, Sood also noted that the problem of drug addiction has taken a toll on the state’s younger generation.
“Punjab has always been known for its spirited youth. But for quite some time now, I have been observing that people say the use of drugs has increased in Punjab. The new generation, our youth, seems to be greatly affected by drugs. Even when I personally visit Moga or various parts of Punjab, I see that many people, especially the youth, are trapped in drug addiction. Due to drugs, crime has increased as they need money to buy it,” Sood said in the video message.
The actor recalled a past campaign he led to rescue approximately 280 children who were ensnared by drug addiction. He mentioned that his team's efforts were unable to reach all those who needed assistance. To address this issue, Sood commended the Punjab Government, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann bhaji, and DGP Yadav Ji for their outstanding initiative to make Punjab drug-free.
At the same time, he urged everyone to rally behind this crucial cause, emphasizing that a united front is essential to achieving a drug-free Punjab. Sonu Sood also highlighted the need for collective efforts and unity in supporting the campaign.
“Let's work together to make Punjab drug-free, and let the land of Punjab be known once again for its youth. I salute the efforts of the Punjab government and the entire police force for their dedication. Keep this initiative going, and together, we will bring Punjab back to the top,” he added.
Sharing the video message, DGP Yadav expressed gratitude to Sonu Sood for his motivational message and reaffirmed Punjab Police's commitment to dismantling the drug trade. “Thank you, Sonu Sood, for the motivational message. Punjab Police is working tirelessly to break the backbone of drugs. Very soon, our collective efforts will help eradicate drugs from Punjab under the vision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann,” DGP Yadav wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).
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Punjab Police Conduct Raids at 297 Hideouts of Terrorist Landa’s Associates
Punjab Police, in a move aimed at disrupting nexus between terrorists, gangsters, and drug smugglers based in India and abroad amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a crime-free state, on Sunday launched a special cordon and search operation (CASO) at suspected hideouts of persons linked with terrorist Lakhbir Singh alias Landa.
The simultaneous raids were conducted from 6 am to 10 am on the directions of the state Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, wherein all the residential and other premises, linked with at least 297 close associates of Lakhbir Landa, were thoroughly searched in all the 28 police districts in the State.
The state Special DGP, Law and Order, Arpit Shukla said that all the Commissioners of Police (CPs) and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) were directed to depute strong police parties led by an Inspector or Sub-Inspector to make this operation successful. Police teams were also asked to round up suspicious persons during the operation, he said.
He said that as many as 150 parties of Punjab Police, involving at least 1,200 Police Personnel, carried out these raids across the State. The CASO was planned after the questioning of several persons in the recently busted modules backed by Lakhbir Landa, he added.
The Special DGP said that several persons have been detained for further verification and incriminating material has been seized from their possession, which is being further examined. During the operation, the Police teams conducted thorough searches at the houses and other premises linked with these criminals and also collected the data from Electronic devices, which will be sent for forensic examination, he added.
He said that the Police teams have also checked arms licenses and questioned people about the sourcing of ammunition, besides, gathering travel details of foreign-based family members, bank transactions from abroad, and Western Union and property details for further examination.
Pertinently, such raids help in infusing fear among the anti-social elements, whilst instilling a sense of safety and security among the common people.
