Bathinda, June 22: In a fresh crackdown on drug-linked encroachments, two illegally constructed houses belonging to alleged drug traffickers were demolished in Bathinda’s Dhobiana Basti on Monday. The operation was carried out jointly by the civil administration and local police, targeting structures built unlawfully on land owned by the Bathinda Development Authority (BDA).
The locality, long infamous for rampant drug smuggling, has once again come under focus as part of the Punjab government’s intensified drive against narcotics and unauthorized constructions. Today’s demolitions follow similar actions in the past, with two other houses previously razed in the same area.
“Several drug trafficking cases have been registered against the individuals whose houses were demolished,” said Senior Police Deputy (SPD) Jasmeet Singh. “This is part of the state’s broader campaign. Action against illegally acquired properties of drug traffickers will continue without exception.”
Sub-Divisional Magistrate Balkaran Singh Mahal noted that the administration has been consistently issuing notices to those found carrying out unauthorized construction. “Earlier, encroachments flourished partly due to a shortage of enforcement staff. But moving forward, if any illegal encroachment is allowed, action will also be taken against the responsible officials and employees,” he said.
The Bathinda Development Authority had already served demolition notices to the offenders ahead of the action. Authorities reiterated that Dhobiana Basti—regarded as a major hub for narcotics activity—remains a priority zone for enforcement under the government’s anti-drug and anti-encroachment campaign.
The coordinated effort reflects the Punjab government’s stated commitment to reclaiming public land and dismantling the infrastructure supporting drug networks, particularly in areas long neglected by regulatory oversight.
