Bhola’s conviction

THE conviction of dismissed Punjab DSP and former wrestler Jagdish Singh Bhola, along with 16 others, including his wife, mother-in-law and father-in-law, in an 11-year-old money-laundering case linked to drugs marks a significant victory in the fight against corruption and financial crimes. Bhola, already serving a 24-year sentence for his involvement in a Rs 700-crore drug smuggling racket, has now been handed a 10-year imprisonment for his role in laundering illicit money. This verdict by a special court in Mohali underscores the persistent issues of corruption and the need for comprehensive reforms within law enforcement agencies.
The investigation, initiated by the Punjab Police and later taken over by the Enforcement Directorate under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), revealed a complex web of financial crimes spanning over a decade. Bhola’s involvement in orchestrating a multi-crore drug racket, exploiting his position of power for personal gains, is a reminder of the systemic issues that need to be addressed. His guilt raises questions about the oversight and accountability mechanisms within the institutions. The road ahead is long and Bhola’s conviction should pave the way for a holistic strategy to combat the drug epidemic. This includes punishing the guilty as well as addressing the root causes of the drug trade, such as poverty, unemployment and a lack of education.
Punjab has been grappling with an alarming drug crisis that has devastated countless families. Bringing Bhola to book is a job half done. The general perception is that the high and mighty operating behind the scenes have been able to cover their tracks. The investigators need to dig deeper to dispel the notion that there is some unfinished business. Only then can we hope to eradicate the scourge of drugs and build a healthier, safer Punjab.