# Punjab political controversy over drug policy protest death > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/punjab-political-controversy-over-drug-policy-protest-death > Updated: 2026-09-10T09:56:42.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 2. A political controversy has emerged in Punjab following the death of Gulzar Singh, a 47-year-old laborer from the Valmiki community in Sangrur district. Singh reportedly died by suicide after publicly questioning Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema regarding the proliferation of synthetic drugs, specifically ‘chitta’, in the region. Following the incident, Singh’s family alleged they faced pressure to apologize and accused the police of conducting his funeral without consent under heavy surveillance. While an FIR was registered against several individuals for abetment to suicide and violations of the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, opposition leaders have demanded a CBI investigation and an FIR against Minister Cheema, alleging that the Aam Aadmi Party government is suppressing voices critical of its drug policies. The state government has dismissed these accusations as ‘dirty politics’ and ‘politics of death,’ maintaining that the accused have been apprehended and that the administration remains committed to combating drug trafficking. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-10: Punjab politics erupts over death of man who questioned drug policy The death of Gulzar Singh in Punjab has sparked political unrest, with opposition leaders demanding a CBI probe and an FIR against Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema over alleged harassment. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/punjab-politics-erupts-over-death-of-man-who-questioned-drug-policy ### 2026-09-08: Punjab: Man dies by suicide after questioning Finance Minister over drug menace The suicide of Gulzar Singh in Punjab, following his public questioning of Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema over the drug menace, has sparked intense political debate and an NCSC inquiry. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/punjab-government-faces-scrutiny-over-death-of-man-who-questioned-drug-trade --- Cite as: Punjab political controversy over drug policy protest death. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/punjab-political-controversy-over-drug-policy-protest-death