Ludhiana, March 14 -- A woman who tipped off police about drug peddlers in Daba area's Satguru Nagar was allegedly attacked by the criminals' aides a day after the police crackdown, officials said. They said the accused linked to the drug trade barged into the woman's home, thrashed and threatened her for exposing them.

The police, however, denied the informant angle said the attack stemmed from a personal rivalry.

The attack raised concerns over the safety of those aiding the police in their crackdown on drug peddling in the state. The intensified efforts were launched after chief minister Bhagwant Mann on February 28 set a 90-day deadline for police and administration to make the state drug-free.

Police commissioner Kuldeep Singh Cha...