Cong demands probe into former cop's disclosures in Punjab

Party also sought resignation from CMr Parkash Singh Badal for allegedly preventing authorities concerned from carrying out a raid

Punjab Congress today demanded an inquiry by either a sitting judge of the High Court or the CBI into the disclosures made by a former top police officer in the state on involvement of some ruling SAD leaders in drugs trade.

Besides, the party also sought resignation from Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal for allegedly preventing the authorities concerned from carrying out a raid at the house of an Akali leader who was "involved" in the drug racket.

"Former DGP (prisons) Shashi Kant had categorically revealed the names of 6 powerful politicians, including Ministers in the drug peddling, there is no reason why the SAD-BJP government must not disclose full details of the dossier of drug mafia prepared by the intelligence department, then headed by Shashi Kant," a Punjab Congress spokesman said here.

"The burning issue of drug menace cannot be pushed under the carpet for any partisan interest. It is a matter of deep concern for lakhs of households of Punjab, whose children are being engulfed in the dangerous drug menace," the spokesman said.

Kant, yesterday, had alleged that some top Akali leaders were patronising drug trade in the state, a charge vehemently denied by the ruling SAD.

Addressing a press conference here, Shashi Kant had further alleged that some prominent ruling party leaders had prevented the authorities concerned from carrying out a raid at the house of an Akali leader who was "involved" in the drug racket.

"I have sent a list of over 100 names of influential people involved in the drug trafficking to the government. It included names of some ruling party members," said the former police officer.

However, the SAD has denied the allegations, saying it was a "cheap publicity stunt of a frustrated individual".