CASO in Ludhiana: Punjab Police Register Up to 20 FIRs, Round Up 52 Suspects in Anti-Drug Drive

October 24, 2026

Ludhiana: Punjab Police carried out a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) at eight identified drug hotspots in Ludhiana as part of the state government’s ongoing ‘War Against Drugs’ campaign. The operation resulted in 18 to 20 FIRs being registered, while 50 to 52 suspects were rounded up, according to ACP Rupinder Singh. Police are assessing the recoveries made during the operation.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Rupinder Singh said police teams had revisited the eight hotspots and were continuing enforcement action. The operation is being carried out with support from the Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) and the ADG Haryana Commissionerate.

“Under this initiative, we have revisited these eight identified hotspots where enforcement action is currently underway, resulting in the registration of 18 to 20 FIRs. So far, 50 to 52 suspects have been rounded up,” Singh said.

He added that police were assessing the operation and checking the details of the recoveries made during the crackdown. The final figures are yet to be established.

Drug Crackdown Amid Questions Over Jhota Murder Case

The police action comes at a time when the Punjab government is facing criticism over the deaths of anti-drug activists. Opposition leaders have raised concerns about the law and order situation and demanded justice in the killing of Parvinder Singh Jhota.

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal has accused the Aam Aadmi Party-led state government of harassing Jhota’s family. He alleged that the activist’s widow and father were being called to meetings with people whom he linked to the murder.

In a post on X, Badal said Jhota had lost his life while fighting drug peddlers and accused the administration of failing to deliver justice to his family.

“Instead of respecting his sacrifice and delivering justice, the administration is now harassing the bereaved family,” Badal said, alleging that the family was being called to meet people he claimed were complicit in the killing.

These allegations come amid continuing demands for action in the case.

CBI Registers FIR in Parvinder Singh Jhota Murder Case

Jhota was shot dead inside a chemist shop in Punjab’s Mansa district on October 13 while livestreaming on Facebook. His killing triggered demands for a thorough investigation and accountability.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered an FIR in connection with the murder, naming Kumar and other unidentified persons as accused.

The latest police crackdown in Ludhiana is part of the state government’s ongoing anti-drug campaign. Further details about the recoveries and the action taken against those rounded up are awaited.