Archive · 12 Sep 2026
Punjab Congress to March Over Sangrur Villager’s Suicide
Gulzar Singh was a villager from Sangrur who died after allegedly consuming poison.
His family says he had questioned minister Harpal Singh Cheema about drugs in his area.
They allege that he was then pressured, harassed and insulted with caste-related slurs.
A video said to show Gulzar’s final moments reportedly mentions the minister.
His family also says officials carried out his cremation without their permission.
The Congress party says the matter needs an independent investigation.
Sachin Pilot will lead a protest march in Chandigarh on September 15.
Congress is asking for Cheema to be removed from the ministry.
Sachin Pilot will lead a Punjab Congress march to Harpal Singh Cheema’s Chandigarh residence on September 15.
The protest concerns Gulzar Singh’s death after he allegedly consumed poison following an event on September 6.
Gulzar’s family alleges he faced pressure, mental harassment and casteist slurs after questioning Cheema about drug supplies.
The family also alleges that officials conducted Gulzar’s cremation forcibly and without their consent.
Congress is demanding Cheema’s dismissal and an independent, time-bound investigation into the incident.
- Who
- Gulzar Singh, his family, Punjab Congress led by Sachin Pilot, and Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema are central to the report.
- What
- Punjab Congress plans a protest over Gulzar Singh’s death and is demanding Cheema’s dismissal and an independent investigation.
- When
- The alleged questioning occurred on September 6; Gulzar died on a Monday, and the protest is planned for September 15.
- Where
- The alleged confrontation occurred at an event in Gulzar’s area of Dirba, Sangrur; the march will take place in Chandigarh.
- Why
- Congress says Gulzar faced pressure and mental harassment after questioning Cheema about the alleged supply of drugs, while his family seeks justice and accountability.
Congress and family allegations
Cheema and AAP response
Cause of the death
Congress and family allegations
Gulzar Singh’s family and Congress allege that he consumed poison after facing pressure and mental harassment for questioning Harpal Singh Cheema about the alleged drug menace.
Cheema and AAP response
The report does not include a response from Harpal Singh Cheema or the Aam Aadmi Party addressing these allegations.
Political accountability
Congress and family allegations
Congress is demanding Cheema’s dismissal and an independent, time-bound investigation, while opposition parties have also sought action against Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
Cheema and AAP response
The report does not state that Cheema or the Punjab government has accepted these demands or announced an alternative investigation.
Cremation arrangements
Congress and family allegations
Gulzar’s family alleges that the administration conducted the cremation forcibly and without their consent, which Congress says adds to the need for accountability.
Cheema and AAP response
The report provides no government response to the family’s allegation about the cremation.
- Protest date
- September 15
- Protest location
- Chandigarh, with a march planned to Harpal Singh Cheema’s residence
- Deceased
- Gulzar Singh of Dirba in Sangrur
- Minister named
- Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema
- Main allegation
- Gulzar’s family says he faced pressure, mental harassment and casteist slurs after questioning Cheema about drug supplies.
- Congress demands
- Cheema’s dismissal and an immediate, independent, time-bound inquiry
- Additional family allegation
- The cremation was conducted forcibly by the administration without the family’s consent.