Mansa: The family of Daljit Singh, a 32-year-old man who allegedly died of a drug overdose, has accused the Punjab Police of forcibly taking his body while relatives and villagers were seeking justice and demanding action against drug abuse.
The incident has intensified tensions in Mansa, where Daljit’s family and villagers had staged a protest on the Mansa-Sirsa highway, placing his body on the road. According to villagers, a large police contingent stopped them as they tried to take the body to the protest site linked to the Parminder Singh Jhotta justice movement.
Villagers alleged that police used force at Ramdittewala Chowk and detained around a dozen people, including family members. The family had been seeking justice following Daljit’s death, which has left behind his wife and two young children.
Several activists and public figures, including Bhim Singh Fauji, Lakha Sidhana, Bhana Sidhu and Mehtabjit Singh Sodhi, also reached the site. Those gathered demanded action against drugs and justice for the bereaved family.
The incident has raised concerns among protesters about the handling of bodies during demonstrations. The report draws parallels with earlier cases in Punjab in which families and organisations alleged that police conducted cremations without allowing relatives to perform final rites.
In the case of Sanmandeep Singh of Kanoyi, reports said the cremation took place in the family’s absence after relatives were detained. Police had cited medical advice about the condition of the body as the reason for their action. Organisations also raised allegations of a forced cremation in the case of Gulzar Singh of Turbanjara.
The latest allegations have renewed debate over police handling of such cases and the rights of bereaved families. The claims of force and detention remain allegations reported by villagers and protesters.
