2 hrs ago
Sangrur Family Alleges Forced Cremation After Dalit Suicide
Gulzar Singh was a 47-year-old Dalit man from Punjab who allegedly died after consuming poison.
His family says he had been harassed after asking about drugs in his area.
They also say officials cremated his body without the family’s permission.
The family wants action against people they say threatened him.
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes said threats and intimidation contributed to his death.
Opposition parties blamed Punjab’s government and demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry.
Some Aam Aadmi Party supporters said political parties should not use the death for politics.
Police have booked five people in connection with the case.
The investigation and competing claims are continuing.
Gulzar Singh’s family alleged that his cremation was conducted forcibly and without their consent.
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes said threats and intimidation over his opposition to drugs led to his suicide.
Opposition parties demanded a CBI inquiry and called for Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema’s dismissal.
Gulzar, 47, allegedly died after consuming poison following an event where he questioned drug availability.
Five people have been booked under abetment-of-suicide and Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Act provisions.
- Who
- Gulzar Singh, his family, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, Punjab government officials, and opposition parties.
- What
- A dispute has arisen over Gulzar Singh’s alleged suicide, the circumstances preceding his death, and the conduct of his cremation.
- Where
- Turbanjara village and Dirba in Sangrur district, Punjab.
- When
- Gulzar allegedly died on Monday night; his family, political leaders, and the National Commission for Scheduled Castes discussed the case on Thursday.
- Why
- The family and the National Commission for Scheduled Castes said he faced harassment, threats, or intimidation after raising concerns about drugs in his area.
Family and Opposition Allegations
Administration and Political Response
Cremation
Family and Opposition Allegations
Gulzar Singh’s family and BJP leaders alleged that officials cremated him without family consent and took the body directly to the cremation ground.
Administration and Political Response
Aam Aadmi Party workers opposed what they described as political activity around the death, but the article does not report a detailed official response to the cremation allegations.
Cause and responsibility
Family and Opposition Allegations
The family, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, and opposition leaders linked the death to alleged threats, casteist abuse, and questions about drug availability, while blaming the Punjab government and Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema.
Administration and Political Response
The article reports that Aam Aadmi Party supporters said political parties should not do politics over the dead; it does not provide a full government rebuttal to the allegations.
Investigation
Family and Opposition Allegations
The BJP, Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal, and the family demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation probe and strict action against those allegedly involved.
Administration and Political Response
Police have already booked five people under abetment-of-suicide and Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Act provisions, and the family had earlier said it was satisfied with police action.
Key facts
- Victim
- Gulzar Singh, a 47-year-old Dalit man from Dirba in Sangrur district
- Reported cause of death
- He allegedly consumed poison on Monday night
- Family allegation
- The cremation was conducted forcibly and without the family’s consent
- Commission statement
- The National Commission for Scheduled Castes said threats and intimidation led to his extreme step
- Political demand
- Opposition parties demanded a CBI inquiry and Harpal Singh Cheema’s dismissal
- Legal action
- Five people have been booked under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and relevant Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act provisions
- Disputed issue
- The family says the body was taken directly to the cremation ground, while an earlier family statement indicated satisfaction with police action
Quotes
Kewal Singh Dhillon
Punjab BJP unit chief who met Gulzar Singh’s family
“Gulzar's family's consent was not taken for the cremation. It was hurried.”
telegraphindia.com
“...what sin did Gulzar Singh commit by asking a question”
telegraphindia.com
National Commission for Scheduled Castes
Statutory commission reporting its chairman’s assessment of the circumstances surrounding Gulzar Singh’s death
“He (Makwana) stated that Gulzar Singh was raising his voice against the drug menace and was threatened and intimidated for doing so, which led him to take the extreme step.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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