Shimla, March 15 -- Former Congress MLA Bumber Thakur who was hospitalised after being shot at his home in Bilaspur on the day of Holi said that it was the handiwork of "drug traffickers".

Thakur, who is recuperating at the IGMC Shimla Hospital, told ANI, "Drug traffickers shot at me, it is their work."

Further, Thakur alleged that local leaders were protecting these drug smugglers. The former MLA claimed that these leaders had even tried to involve his sons in drugs, an attempt from which his son managed to extricate himself from.

"Local leaders and drug smugglers in Bilaspur have become akin to major power brokers. Their properties should be confiscated and they should face the death penalty," Thakur said.

"I feel that my family is ...