Punjab family alleges forced cremation of Dalit man Gulzar Singh

The family of Gulzar Singh, a 47-year-old Dalit man from Sangrur, Punjab, has alleged that the local administration forcibly conducted his cremation without their consent. Singh died on Monday night after allegedly consuming poison. His family claims he was subjected to casteist slurs and harassment after questioning Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema regarding the local drug supply.

Singh’s sons, Shahbaz and Lakhwinder Singh, stated that the administration took the body directly to the cremation ground, preventing them from performing traditional rituals or even seeing their father’s face. The family has refused to collect his ashes or hold religious ceremonies until justice is served. They are demanding action against Finance Minister Cheema and those implicated in the alleged intimidation of Singh.

The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has visited the family, noting that Singh had been raising concerns about the drug menace before his death. Opposition parties, including the BJP, Congress, and Shiromani Akali Dal, have called for a CBI inquiry into the death and the alleged abuse of power by the state machinery, with some leaders demanding the resignation of Minister Cheema.