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High Court Seeks Report On Punjab Dalit Man’s Death
Gulzar Singh, a Dalit man in Punjab, died after allegedly drinking poison.
His family says he was harassed after asking a question about drugs in his area.
They also allege that caste-based insults were used against him.
Some opposition parties believe the state police may not investigate the case fairly.
They want India’s central investigation agency, the CBI, to investigate instead.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has asked the Punjab government to explain the progress of its investigation.
Punjab police are investigating through a special investigation team.
Minister Harpal Singh Cheema denies the accusations and says political parties are trying to frame him.
The court will hear the matter again on October 6.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered the Punjab government to submit an investigation status report by October 6.
Gulzar Singh, from Turbanjara village in Sangrur’s Dirba area, died on September 7 after allegedly consuming poison.
His family alleged he faced harassment and casteist slurs after questioning minister Harpal Singh Cheema about drug supplies.
Opposition parties are demanding a CBI probe, Cheema’s removal and, in some cases, an FIR against him.
Cheema denied wrongdoing, called the opposition’s allegations a conspiracy and said he would present evidence after the investigation concludes.
- Who
- Gulzar Singh, his family, Punjab minister Harpal Singh Cheema, the Punjab government, Punjab Police and opposition parties are involved.
- What
- The Punjab and Haryana High Court sought a status report on the investigation into Gulzar Singh’s alleged suicide and is considering a plea for a CBI probe.
- Where
- The incident concerns Turbanjara village in the Dirba area of Sangrur, Punjab, and is before the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
- When
- Gulzar Singh died on September 7; the court sought the report on Wednesday and scheduled the next hearing for October 6.
- Why
- The petition seeks an independent CBI investigation because the petitioner apprehends that Punjab Police may not conduct a proper investigation; the family and opposition also allege harassment linked to Singh’s questioning of Cheema.
Opposition And Petitioners
Harpal Singh Cheema And Punjab Government
Need for an independent probe
Opposition And Petitioners
The petitioner and BJP, Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal leaders are demanding a CBI investigation, saying an independent agency is needed and expressing concern that Punjab Police may not investigate properly.
Harpal Singh Cheema And Punjab Government
The case is already being investigated by a Punjab Police special investigation team, and Cheema has asked that the investigation be allowed to conclude.
Allegations against Cheema
Opposition And Petitioners
Gulzar Singh’s family alleges that he was harassed and subjected to casteist slurs after questioning Cheema about drug supplies. Opposition parties have demanded Cheema’s resignation or removal and, in some cases, an FIR against him.
Harpal Singh Cheema And Punjab Government
Cheema denies the allegations, says the opposition is conspiring to frame a minister and says he has evidence that he will disclose after the investigation.
Political responsibility
Opposition And Petitioners
Opposition parties have targeted the Aam Aadmi Party government and demanded Cheema’s removal, with some also calling for Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s resignation.
Harpal Singh Cheema And Punjab Government
Cheema accused the BJP, Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal of playing politics over the death and questioned the Centre’s record on stopping cross-border drug smuggling.
Key facts
- Deceased
- Gulzar Singh, a daily wager from Turbanjara village
- Cause of death
- He allegedly died after consuming poison on September 7
- Current investigation
- A special investigation team formed by Punjab Police is investigating
- Court action
- The Punjab and Haryana High Court sought a status report from the Punjab government
- Next hearing
- October 6
- Criminal case
- The case was registered under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and relevant provisions of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act
- Accused in registered case
- Baljit Singh, Sukhdev Singh, Vicky Singh, Gona Singh and Baljinder Kaur
Quotes
Harpal Singh Cheema
Punjab minister responding to allegations linked to Gulzar Singh’s death
“I have enough evidence. At present, I do not want to bring out that evidence now as an investigation is currently underway. Let the investigation be completed.”
NDTV
“I will reply to each leader when the time comes and will show the people how they are playing politics over dead bodies.”
NDTV
Sources
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