Sangrur: Gulzar Singh, a labourer from Toor Banjara village in Dirbha constituency who had raised the issue of drug abuse during a minister’s programme, died while undergoing treatment at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) in Ludhiana.
Singh had allegedly consumed pesticide after claiming that representatives of the village panchayat had threatened him following the incident. His body has been taken to the local civil hospital for post-mortem, where a heavy police deployment has been made. Leaders of various political parties and organisations have also reached the hospital.
Based on a complaint by Singh’s son, Lakhwinder Singh alias Lakha, police have registered a case at Dirbha police station against Toor Banjara sarpanch Baljinder Kaur, her husband Baljit Singh, Sukhdev Singh alias Sukha, panch Vicky Singh and Gona Singh. The case has been registered under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 3(1)(r) and 3(1)(s) of the SC/ST Act.
Worker had raised drug issue at minister’s programme
On September 6, Singh, who belonged to the Dalit community, reportedly raised the issue of drug abuse during a minister’s programme in the village. He said his son was addicted to “chitta” and had allegedly sold household belongings to fund his addiction.
Singh later alleged in a video statement that some panchayat representatives had asked him to come before the panchayat and apologise. He said he did not go to the panchayat and, fearing the consequences, consumed pesticide.
He was initially taken to a hospital in Sangrur before being referred to Patiala. He was subsequently shifted to a private hospital in Sangrur and then referred to DMCH, Ludhiana, where he died on Monday night.
His brother, Bikkar Singh, has also supported the allegations made by Singh. His body will be taken to the village after the post-mortem.
Opposition demands action
The incident has triggered a political row in Punjab, with Congress leaders Charanjit Singh Channi and Sukhpal Singh Khaira, along with Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia, among those targeting the state government.
Leaders present at the civil hospital, including SAD’s state leader Vinerjit Singh Goldy, Waris Punjab De leader Chamandeep Singh Milkhi, BJP leader Randeep Singh Deol and Congress leader Jagdev Gaga, demanded that a minister also be named in the case.
They cited Singh’s video statement, in which he allegedly held minister Harpal Singh Cheema responsible. These allegations have not been independently established.
