2 hrs ago
BJP Criticises Punjab Government Over Drug Crisis After Sangrur Death
A man from Sangrur, Punjab, died after reportedly consuming poison.
Before this, he had publicly asked a minister why an addictive drug called “chitta” was easily available in his village.
BJP leader Amit Malviya said the man was pressured after asking the question.
Police have opened a case against a village leader and two other people.
Police also said they are investigating and denied the harassment allegations.
The Punjab government says it is fighting drugs through a campaign called “Yudh Nashian Virudh.”
The government says the campaign has led to many arrests and drug seizures.
Opposition parties say the death shows that the government still needs to do more.
BJP leader Amit Malviya criticised the Punjab government after Sangrur resident Gulzar Singh died following an alleged poisoning.
Malviya said Gulzar had questioned Minister Harpal Singh Cheema about the availability of heroin, known locally as “chitta.”
Police registered a case of alleged abetment to suicide and harassment against a sarpanch and two others.
Police denied harassment allegations and said the circumstances surrounding the death were under investigation.
The Punjab government said its anti-drug campaign had arrested 77,421 suspected smugglers in 554 days.
- Who
- Sangrur resident Gulzar Singh, BJP leader Amit Malviya, Punjab minister Harpal Singh Cheema, and the Punjab government are central to the controversy.
- What
- Political parties are disputing the Punjab government's handling of the drug crisis after Gulzar Singh's death.
- Where
- The incident involved Toor Banjara village in Punjab's Sangrur district, within the Dirba constituency.
- When
- The political controversy intensified on Tuesday; the police campaign figures cited cover 554 days.
- Why
- The dispute concerns allegations that Gulzar was pressured after questioning the availability of heroin, alongside wider criticism of the government's anti-drug efforts.
Government and Police Position
Opposition Criticism
Handling of Gulzar Singh's death
Government and Police Position
Police denied allegations of harassment and said they were investigating the circumstances; a case was registered against a sarpanch and two others.
Opposition Criticism
Amit Malviya alleged that Gulzar faced pressure and harassment from local leaders after questioning the minister about drug availability.
Effectiveness of the anti-drug campaign
Government and Police Position
The Aam Aadmi Party government said “Yudh Nashian Virudh” had produced major action against smugglers and dismantled drug networks.
Opposition Criticism
The BJP said the death exposed a gap between the government's claims and the continuing drug problem, accusing it of prioritising publicity over disrupting supply networks.
Source of narcotics
Government and Police Position
The Punjab government has repeatedly accused the central government of failing to stop cross-border smuggling of drugs and weapons by drones from Pakistan.
Opposition Criticism
Opposition parties have focused on the state government's responsibility to address the availability of drugs and the concerns of affected families.
Key facts
- Deceased
- Gulzar Singh, a resident of Toor Banjara village in Sangrur district.
- Political critic
- Amit Malviya of the Bharatiya Janata Party.
- Police case
- A case of alleged abetment to suicide and harassment was registered against a sarpanch and two others.
- Government campaign
- The Punjab Police campaign is called “Yudh Nashian Virudh.”
- Arrests
- The government said 77,421 suspected drug smugglers had been arrested in 554 days.
- Latest seizure
- Police reported arresting 62 suspected smugglers and recovering 306 grams of heroin and 190 intoxicant pills on Monday.
- Rehabilitation
- The government said five people were persuaded to enter de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment.
Quotes
Gaurav Bhatia
BJP national spokesperson who addressed the press conference
“Gulzar Singh, a resident of Toor Banjara village in the Dirba constituency, reportedly questioned AAP Minister Harpal Singh Cheema during his visit about the unchecked sale of ‘chitta’, saying that his own son was battling addiction and had sold off the family’s belongings.”
thehansindia.com
“This conference is being held with a very heavy heart and deep sorrow... Under the government of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in Punjab, the drug trade is openly flourishing, and the government is not taking effective action on it”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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