Hoshiarpur, Apr 27 (PTI) The district authorities here on Monday demolished an illegal structure built on panchayat land by a family allegedly linked to drug trafficking in Sarhala Kalan village of Hoshiarpur district, officials said.
The action was carried out as part of the state government’s ongoing campaign against drugs. A house constructed on the encroached panchayat land was razed using a JCB machine, they said.
Hoshiarpur Superintendent of Police Major Singh said 13 drug cases have been registered against Neelam and her family members.
“Convictions have been secured in some cases, while others are under trial,” he said.
He said the family was allegedly involved in drug trafficking and had encroached upon panchayat land to construct the house. The matter was taken up by the village panchayat through due procedure and forwarded to the block development and panchayat officer (BDPO), following which the action was initiated.
Police provided security to ensure that possession of the land was restored to the panchayat, Singh said, adding that a heavy police force was deployed at the site to maintain law and order during the demolition.
Police officials, panchayat members and a duty magistrate from the revenue department were present during the demolition drive.
The officials said Sarhala Kalan has been identified as a sensitive area in terms of drug activity, adding that several accused in the district face between 20 and 25 cases related to narcotics offences in such hotspot areas. The drive against drug traffickers will continue, he said. PTI COR CHS KSS KSS
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