The death of 47-year-old Gulzar Singh in Sangrur has sparked political outrage in Punjab. His family alleges he was pressured into suicide after questioning Finance Minister Harpal Cheema about the drug menace.

  • Death of 47-year-old Gulzar Singh in Dirba, Sangrur district.
  • Victim allegedly questioned Finance Minister Harpal Cheema regarding 'chitta' supply.
  • Opposition parties demand a high-level probe into the alleged harassment.
  • Family claims local pressure led to the consumption of pesticide (Celphos).

The ongoing battle against narcotics in Punjab has taken a dark and political turn following the suspicious death of a local resident. Gulzar Singh, a 47-year-old daily wager from Dirba in Sangrur district, passed away on September 7, 2026. The incident has ignited a firestorm of criticism against the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government, with opposition leaders alleging that the victim was targeted for speaking truth to power.

According to the victim's family, the tragedy unfolded after a public event on September 6. During the gathering, Gulzar Singh reportedly confronted Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, questioning the unabated supply of 'chitta' (synthetic drugs) in the region. His nephew, Karanvir Singh, stated that following this confrontation, local individuals allegedly dragged Gulzar away from the venue and subjected him to intense pressure to apologize, ultimately leading to the consumption of a lethal pesticide known as Celphos.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this incident transcends a local criminal matter; it highlights the volatile intersection of the drug epidemic and political accountability in Punjab. When a citizen's attempt to address personal family trauma—caused by addiction—is met with alleged communal or political intimidation, it signals a breakdown in local governance and social safety nets.

'A father, watching his family being destroyed as his son battled drug addiction, raised his voice and questioned the minister, only to face immense harassment.' - Amrinder Singh Raja Warring

Political heavyweights have moved swiftly to corner the ruling party. Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia alleged that Singh was pushed to the brink of suicide specifically because he highlighted his son's addiction and asked for state intervention. Similarly, Congress Punjab chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring expressed deep sorrow, accusing local authorities and the Sarpanch of being responsible for the undue pressure placed on the grieving father.

The victim's final moments, captured in a purported viral video, depict a man in deep distress. In the footage, Singh is heard lamenting, "Chitta band nahi hoya (The supply of chitta has not stopped)... everything is being sold." His medical journey saw him moved between multiple facilities, including the Civil Hospital in Sangrur and Rajindra Hospital in Patiala, before he finally succumbed in a private hospital in Ludhiana.

Did You Know?: The Punjab government currently manages rehabilitation centers treating over 90,000 individuals struggling with substance abuse.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What was the primary allegation against the local authorities?
The family alleges that local villagers and officials pressured Gulzar Singh to apologize for questioning a minister, leading to his suicide.

2. How has the opposition responded to the incident?
Leaders from both the SAD and Congress have demanded an immediate and transparent investigation into the death and the alleged harassment.