Punjab drug allegations spark protests and political tension

Protests have erupted in Punjab following allegations of drug-related incidents in Mansa and Patiala districts. In Mansa, the family of 35-year-old Daljit Singh blocked a main road to protest his suspected death from a drug overdose. The family is demanding the arrest of local narcotics suppliers, while police stated the cause of death awaits postmortem results. The demonstration led to clashes with police during the removal of the deceased's body.

In Patiala, a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan named Sonu staged a sit-in at Government Rajindra Hospital after claiming to find drug paraphernalia, including syringes and lighters, in a hospital ward. Sonu alleged that hospital staff misbehaved with him and that he was discharged on disciplinary grounds after raising the issue. His wife further alleged that a Deputy Superintendent of Police assaulted him and removed his turban during a confrontation, though police have denied these claims.