Sangrur (Gurpreet Singh): The death of a 50-year-old farmer in Punjab has triggered a political controversy, with more than 100 police personnel deployed around a Sangrur hospital on Tuesday as authorities prepared to conduct his post-mortem.
Gulzar Singh allegedly died after consuming a poisonous substance following a dispute linked to his public criticism of the drug problem in Punjab. His death has drawn attention from villagers, activists and political leaders, while police have denied allegations that he was harassed or tortured.
A large number of villagers and local residents gathered near the hospital as the post-mortem examination was conducted.
Farmer had raised questions over drug availability
The controversy began after an incident during a programme in Dirba last week. Gulzar reportedly questioned authorities about the availability of drugs in the area and raised concerns about his own son’s addiction.
In a video that circulated widely on social media, he was heard questioning why action was not being taken against the drug trade when, according to him, his son was openly consuming chitta, a colloquial term commonly used for heroin in Punjab.
The incident came days after anti-drug activist Mohanjit Singh alleged that Gulzar had faced mistreatment after displaying a black flag during a rally involving Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in Sunam.
Family and villagers allege harassment
Villagers have alleged that Gulzar came under pressure after speaking publicly about the drug issue. They claimed that he was subsequently harassed by police officials, allegations that the police have rejected.
Gulzar reportedly consumed a poisonous substance, said to be sulphas, after the incident. He was first taken to a hospital in Dirba before being transferred to Rajindra Hospital in Patiala.
As his condition deteriorated, he was moved to Ludhiana for further treatment. He later died there.
Police have said they are examining all aspects of the case and have denied allegations of torture.
Case registered against three people
The matter has now taken a legal turn, with police registering a case concerning abetment to suicide and harassment against a village sarpanch and two other individuals.
Officials said Gulzar had named the sarpanch and the two others in an initial statement.
The allegations will be subject to investigation, and the exact circumstances surrounding Gulzar’s death are yet to be established.
Security tightened at hospital
With the deceased’s relatives, villagers and supporters gathering at the Sangrur hospital, authorities deployed more than 100 police personnel in and around the premises.
The heightened security comes amid growing political attention surrounding the case and concerns over possible protests.
Kuldeep Singh Chahal, DIG of the Patiala Range, said the authorities would complete the post-mortem process before handing Gulzar’s body over to his family.
Drug issue adds political dimension
Gulzar’s death has intensified an already contentious debate over Punjab’s struggle with drug abuse. The state government has repeatedly faced political pressure over its handling of the issue, while opposition parties and activists have continued to demand stronger action against drug trafficking.
The allegations surrounding Gulzar’s death have added another layer to that debate, particularly because his reported confrontation involved questions about the availability of drugs in his locality.
For now, investigators are examining the allegations against the accused and the events that preceded Gulzar’s death. The findings of the inquiry are likely to determine whether the claims of harassment played a role in the tragedy.
