Photo Source: Punjab BJP's Facebook account
Sunil Jakhar leads BJP delegation, urges CBI probe into alleged AAP links in Amritsar Hooch Tragedy
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, May 19, 2025:Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar on Monday led a senior BJP delegation to Raj Bhawan, urging Governor Gulab Chand Kataria to order a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged nexus between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership and liquor mafia in connection with the Amritsar Hooch Tragedy.
Addressing the media outside Raj Bhawan, Jakhar alleged that the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government has been completely hijacked by Delhi-based AAP leaders, leading to a "constitutional crisis" in the state.
He demanded that the scope of the ongoing CBI investigation into the Delhi Excise Policy case be expanded to include the Amritsar hooch incident, which has claimed multiple lives.
Jakhar and the delegation submitted a detailed memorandum, alleging that liquor distribution quotas under the AAP's 2022 Punjab Liquor Policy mirrored those of the controversial Delhi policy.
They demanded that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) also be roped in to investigate the alleged financial irregularities and drug linkages, including cross-border smuggling operations involving Pakistan’s ISI.
The BJP delegation comprised senior leaders including Former Minister Manoranjan Kalia, MLA Jangi Lal Mahajan, General Secretary Parminder Brar, Jagmohan Singh Raju, Amarpal Singh Bonny Ajnala, Rajinder Mohan Singh Chinna, Rajbir Sharma, Ranjam Kamra, Vineet Joshi, and Gejja Ram Valmiki.
The memorandum further alleged a direct connection between AAP leaders and illegal liquor operations, calling for an audit of foreign liquor quotas lifted by contractors in Punjab since July 2022. It also demanded the inspection of stock registers to determine the extent of irregularities and illegal benefits.
Jakhar noted that the CBI had previously conducted raids in Punjab as part of the Delhi Excise probe and alleged that AAP's Punjab leadership could be complicit, warranting a broader investigation.
The BJP also raised questions regarding the alleged allocation of official accommodation in Chandigarh to AAP’s Delhi-based leaders, questioning their official capacity and involvement in Punjab’s administrative decisions.
In a separate but related issue, the delegation highlighted the mysterious disappearance of Harpreet Singh alias Harry, a life convict linked to multiple serious cases, including an NDPS case involving heroin smuggling from Pakistan. They demanded a thorough investigation into his release, activities, and current whereabouts.
Lastly, the BJP has called for an investigation into the alleged rapid increase in assets of AAP ministers, MLAs, and their close relatives during the party’s three-year tenure in Punjab.
The party has warned of intensified political pressure if the demands for accountability and transparency are not addressed.