Gulzar Singh approached Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema during a local development program with a desperate grievance: rampant drug trafficking in his community and a son trapped in an addiction to heroin, locally known as ‘chitta.’ Shortly after that public encounter, the 50-year-old resident of Tur Banjara village in the Sangrur district allegedly consumed a poisonous substance, setting off a fierce political clash across the state.
Public Plea Over Heroin Trade Precedes Poisoning
Intimidation Claims and Hospital Transfers
Family members and local villagers say the fallout from the confrontation was immediate and punishing. Singh allegedly faced intense pressure from the village panchayat to apologize for speaking out.
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That reported intimidation left him deeply distressed. Singh ingested the toxic substance and was rushed to a government hospital in Sangrur. From there, his critical condition demanded two transfers: first to Rajindra Hospital in Patiala, and subsequently to DMC Hospital in Ludhiana for treatment.
Law Enforcement Response and Investigation
Senior police officer Rupinder Kaur Bajwa visited the hospital after being informed about the incident.
Local law enforcement officials stated they are working to record formal statements from Gulzar Singh and his relatives. The goal is to establish the exact sequence of events and determine subsequent legal actions. Meanwhile, state authorities and police officials have noted that the allegations from the victim’s family remain unverified as investigations continue.
Opposition Attacks and Demands for Cabinet Dismissal
The tragedy has amplified political tensions, drawing sharp criticism toward the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) administration from opposition leaders.
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Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia seized on the circumstances of the poisoning. He alleged that Singh was targeted for questioning local authorities in Dirba, the constituency represented by Cheema.
Majithia asserted that Gulzar Singh issued a statement from his hospital bed holding the finance minister directly accountable for his death. The opposition leader demanded the immediate registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against Harpal Singh Cheema, alongside calls for his dismissal from the Punjab Cabinet and subsequent arrest. State authorities have emphasized that these opposition allegations remain unverified.
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