Punjab politics erupts over death of man who questioned drug policy

Political tensions have escalated in Punjab following the death of Gulzar Singh, a 47-year-old laborer from the Valmiki community in Sangrur district. Singh reportedly consumed poison after questioning Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema regarding the government's handling of the drug crisis and the availability of 'chitta' during a public event.

Singh's family alleges that they were pressured to apologize and faced mistreatment following his questions. Before his death, Singh reportedly stated that Harpal Singh Cheema was responsible for his passing. The family has also accused the police of conducting his funeral without their consent and under heavy surveillance, claiming the process lacked dignity.

Bikram Singh Majithia, General Secretary of the Shiromani Akali Dal, has demanded an FIR against Finance Minister Cheema and a CBI investigation into the matter. Majithia criticized the Aam Aadmi Party government, alleging that voices against drug abuse are being suppressed. While opposition parties like the BJP and Congress have accused the administration of misuse of state machinery, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has dismissed these claims as 'politics of death'.