A 46-year-old resident of Toor Banjara village in Punjab’s Sangrur district died by suicide on Monday after consuming poison. Family members and local union representatives stated that the man had faced pressure from village leaders affiliated with the ruling party to issue an apology. The incident occurred after he raised concerns about the availability of synthetic drugs known locally as chitta during a visit by Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to the area.
The deceased, identified as Gulzar Singh, was taken first to the civil hospital in Sangrur. Medical staff there referred him to Government Rajindra Hospital in Patiala. His condition deteriorated further, leading to transfers to a private facility in Sangrur and ultimately to DMC Hospital in Ludhiana. He passed away late on Monday night at the Ludhiana facility.
Before his death, Gulzar Singh spoke about the events that preceded his action. He mentioned questioning the minister regarding the drug situation in his village. According to accounts, police personnel then separated him from the gathering and urged him to apologize. He also referred to the village sarpanch in his statements, noting that the local official had reacted strongly to his comments. Gulzar Singh indicated that his family had been affected by drug use, including the sale of their house, and expressed frustration that the broader narcotics problem in Punjab remained unresolved.
His son later confirmed that the sarpanch had become upset after the public remarks about open drug sales in the village. The son described the scolding his father received following the exchange with the minister. A representative from the Krantikari Pendu Mazdoor Union Punjab recorded the statements made by Gulzar Singh prior to his passing.
The union representative noted delays in treatment at one of the government hospitals due to the absence of required equipment. Police have registered a case in connection with the incident and have arrested four individuals, including two members of the village panchayat. Opposition figures, including Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia, have described the events as involving pressure from ruling party representatives and have called for further investigation, including an FIR against the minister.
The episode has renewed attention on the challenges of addressing narcotics distribution in the state. Opposition parties have renewed calls for accountability measures, including the resignation of the chief minister and the cabinet minister concerned, along with registration of charges related to abetment of suicide. The case follows another recent report of an individual facing alleged custodial issues after raising similar concerns at a public event attended by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
Local accounts indicate that Gulzar Singh had three sons, one of whom was reportedly struggling with addiction. The family resides in the Dirba assembly constituency represented by the minister. Village residents have expressed ongoing concerns about the availability of synthetic drugs in the area, with some noting that previous efforts to curb the trade have not yielded lasting results.
Authorities continue to investigate the sequence of events leading to the suicide. Statements from family members and union officials emphasize the sequence of questioning at the public gathering, subsequent interactions with local officials, and the medical transfers that followed the consumption of pesticide. The matter has prompted discussions among political groups regarding the handling of public grievances related to drug abuse in rural Punjab.
The incident underscores persistent difficulties in managing the supply of synthetic substances in border regions of the state. Community members have reiterated demands for stronger enforcement actions and support systems for affected families. Police have confirmed the arrests while the investigation proceeds into allegations of pressure placed on the individual after his public remarks.
Further details are expected as inquiries advance. The case has drawn statements from multiple political sides, each highlighting different aspects of governance and public safety in the region. Families in similar situations have voiced the need for improved access to treatment facilities and timely medical intervention in rural areas.
