Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Congress Leaders Detained During Punjab Protest Seeking Cheema’s Removal
Congress leaders in Punjab held a protest against Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema.
They want him removed from office and want an independent investigation.
The protest followed the death of Gulzar Singh, who allegedly consumed poison.
His family says he was harassed after asking about drugs in his area.
They also say casteist insults were used against him.
The protesters tried to march to Cheema’s home, but police stopped them with barricades and water cannons.
Police later detained several leaders and workers.
Sachin Pilot said the government should investigate the death and register a case.
Sachin Pilot, Amrinder Singh Raja Warring and other Congress leaders were detained during a Chandigarh protest.
The protesters demanded Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema’s removal and an independent probe into Gulzar Singh’s death.
Police used water cannons after protesters tried to cross barricades near Cheema’s official residence.
Gulzar Singh’s family alleged he faced harassment and casteist slurs after questioning Cheema about drug supplies.
The protest brought together rival Punjab Congress leaders, including Charanjit Singh Channi, Partap Singh Bajwa and Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa.
- Who
- Punjab Congress leaders, including Sachin Pilot, Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, Charanjit Singh Channi and others, protested against Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema.
- What
- They demanded Cheema’s removal and an independent probe into Gulzar Singh’s alleged suicide; several protesters were detained.
- When
- The protest and detentions took place on Tuesday; Gulzar Singh died on September 7.
- Where
- The protest took place in Chandigarh, near the official residence of Harpal Singh Cheema and outside the Punjab Congress headquarters.
- Why
- The protest followed allegations by Gulzar Singh’s family that he was harassed and subjected to casteist slurs after questioning Cheema about drug supplies.
Congress protesters
Punjab government and police
Cause of Gulzar Singh’s death
Congress protesters
Congress leaders and Gulzar Singh’s family alleged that pressure, harassment and casteist slurs followed his questioning of Harpal Singh Cheema about drug supplies.
Punjab government and police
The article does not provide a response from Harpal Singh Cheema or the Punjab government disputing or confirming these allegations.
Response to the incident
Congress protesters
Congress leaders demanded Cheema’s removal, an independent probe and registration of a case, arguing that the alleged suicide required investigation.
Punjab government and police
Police deployed barricades, used water cannons when protesters attempted to advance, and detained several leaders and workers; no further government position is reported.
- Main demand
- Removal of Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema
- Additional demand
- An independent probe into Gulzar Singh’s alleged suicide
- Police action
- Water cannons were used and several Congress leaders and workers were detained
- Deceased
- Gulzar Singh of Dirba in Sangrur district
- Date of death
- September 7
- Allegation
- Gulzar Singh’s family alleged harassment and casteist slurs after he questioned Cheema about drug supplies
- Congress leaders present
- Sachin Pilot, Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, Charanjit Singh Channi, Partap Singh Bajwa and Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa