Punjab: Man Dies by Suicide Days After Questioning Minister Harpal Singh Cheema Over Drug Menace
Gulzar Singh, a resident of Punjab's Sangrur district, died after allegedly consuming poison days after he publicly raised concerns over drug abuse and the easy availability of 'chitta' with state Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema.
A political controversy has erupted in Punjab following the death by suicide of a local resident, Gulzar Singh, days after he publicly questioned state Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema regarding the state's synthetic drug crisis. The incident has drawn intense scrutiny from opposition parties and renewed public debate over accountability and narcotics enforcement in the region, according to a report.
The Public Confrontation According to initial reports, Gulzar Singh had recently confronted Minister Harpal Singh Cheema over the unchecked proliferation of "chitta"—a synthetic form of heroin widely prevalent in parts of Punjab. Footage of the interaction had circulated on social media, showing Singh pressing the minister on the administration's ongoing failure to curb local drug distribution networks. Punjab: AAP's Former Minister Anmol Gagan Maan Resigns as MLA, Says She is Quitting Politics.
Punjab Man Gulzar Singh Dies After Consuming Poison
Very saddened to learn about the death of Gulzar Singh of Dirba.
In the below video he had yesterday categorically named Fm @HarpalCheemaMLA responsible for his mental harassment then why no Fir against him ?
Is this how @AamAadmiParty govt respects the SC community to which… pic.twitter.com/EDTLHVbukf
— Sukhpal Singh Khaira (@SukhpalKhaira) September 8, 2026
Following the exchange, family members and local sources reported that Singh faced mounting pressure, allegedly including demands to issue an apology for questioning the senior minister in public. Shortly after these developments, Singh was found dead by suicide, triggering immediate grief and anger among his family and local residents.
Political Fallout and Demand for Inquiry The tragic incident has prompted sharp reactions from opposition leaders across Punjab, who have accused the ruling administration of administrative high-handedness and silencing public dissent. Critics argue that instead of addressing the systemic crisis highlighted by citizens, political figures have fostered an environment of intimidation. FIR Filed Against AAP Leader Laljit Bhullar After Government Official Gagandeep Singh Randhawa Commits Suicide.
Opposition parties have demanded a transparent, independent inquiry into the circumstances leading up to Singh's death, calling for accountability regarding the alleged pressure placed on him after the public exchange.
Context of the Drug Epidemic in Punjab The drug epidemic remains one of the most sensitive socio-political challenges in Punjab. Despite successive governments pledging strict enforcement, police crackdowns, and expanded rehabilitation infrastructure, grassroots concerns persist over the underground drug trade and the vulnerability of local youth.
As authorities look into the sequence of events surrounding the incident, civil society groups and community members continue to call for systemic reforms and greater protection for individuals raising legitimate public interest concerns.
Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Helpline Numbers:
Tele Manas (Ministry of Health) – 14416 or 1800 891 4416; NIMHANS – + 91 80 26995000 /5100 /5200 /5300 /5400; Peak Mind – 080-456 87786; Vandrevala Foundation – 9999 666 555; Arpita Suicide Prevention Helpline – 080-23655557; iCALL – 022-25521111 and 9152987821; COOJ Mental Health Foundation (COOJ) – 0832-2252525.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 08, 2026 02:08 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
