'There has been a spurt in drugs related deaths', says Punjab CM

Chandigarh, July 3: Taking note of recent 'spurt in drugs related deaths', Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Tuesday said a committee has been formed to look into the matter.

"In last few days there has been a spurt in deaths due to drugs. We have made a committee which is going to meet everyday and on Mondays I am going to meet that committee to see what action has been taken during the week. What is happening here is unacceptable," the Punjab CM told ANI.

Singh today ordered a probe into the recent spate of drug-related deaths in the state and directed officials to take action against the culprits.

"I have ordered @PunjabPolice DGP to probe all recent drug related deaths and to take exemplary action against anyone found responsible for the deaths of these innocent youths. Government will also assist the affected families in rehabilitation," Singh tweeted.

The directions came after the chief minister met a group of activists behind an online campaign to create awareness about drug menace in the state. Under fire from Opposition over the deaths in several parts of Punjab due to alleged drug overdose and adulterated narcotics, the Punjab cabinet had yesterday decided to recommend death penalty for drug peddlers to the Centre.

The AAP and SAD have hit out at the Congress regime for allegedly failing to fulfil its pre-poll promise of curbing drug menace in the state within four weeks of coming to power.

Singh had on Monday said that his government would soon bring in a law to award death penalty to those involved in drug peddling or smuggling activities. Singh said that a recommendation to bring in such a legislation has been forwarded to the Union Government.

OneIndia News with PTI inputs