3 hrs ago
NCSC Chief Says Threats Drove Punjab Villager to Suicide
Gulzar Singh was a 47-year-old daily wage worker from Punjab.
He died after allegedly consuming poison on September 7.
His family said he had asked a minister about drugs in his area.
They also said he was later harassed and called casteist names.
NCSC Chairman Kishor Makwana visited Singh’s family.
Makwana said Singh had been threatened.
The family wants the people responsible to be punished and wants protection.
The NCSC has asked Punjab officials to investigate and submit a report.
NCSC Chairman Kishor Makwana said Gulzar Singh died by suicide after allegedly being threatened.
Singh, a 47-year-old Dalit daily wager, allegedly consumed poison on September 7 in Sangrur district.
His family said he questioned Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema about drug availability during a September 6 event.
The family alleged Singh faced harassment and casteist slurs after raising the issue.
The NCSC sought a detailed report from Punjab’s chief secretary and director general of police within five days.
- Who
- Gulzar Singh, a 47-year-old Dalit daily wager; NCSC Chairman Kishor Makwana; and Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema.
- What
- Singh allegedly died by suicide after consuming poison, with the NCSC chief claiming threats contributed to his death.
- Where
- Singh was from Dirba in Sangrur district, Punjab; Makwana met his family in Turbanjara village.
- When
- Singh allegedly died on the night of September 7 after questioning Cheema on September 6.
- Why
- His family said he raised concerns about local drug availability and was subsequently threatened, harassed, and subjected to casteist slurs.
Family and NCSC allegations
Reported government position
Cause of Singh’s death
Family and NCSC allegations
Singh’s family and NCSC Chairman Kishor Makwana said threats, harassment, and alleged casteist abuse followed Singh’s questions about drugs and contributed to his suicide.
Reported government position
The article does not report a response from Harpal Cheema, Punjab’s government, or any accused person disputing these allegations.
Accountability
Family and NCSC allegations
Singh’s family demanded strict action against those who allegedly threatened him, as well as security for the family.
Reported government position
The NCSC has requested an official report from Punjab authorities, but the article does not state what action the government has taken.
Drug concerns
Family and NCSC allegations
Singh was portrayed by his family and Makwana as speaking out against drug availability and its effect on local youths.
Reported government position
The article reports no official explanation or rebuttal regarding the drug-availability allegations.
Key facts
- Deceased
- Gulzar Singh, a 47-year-old Dalit daily wager
- Reported cause of death
- Allegedly consuming poison
- Date of death
- Night of September 7
- Reported issue raised
- The availability of drugs in Singh’s area
- NCSC claim
- Singh was threatened before taking the extreme step
- Family demand
- Strict action against those involved and security for the family
- Official action
- The NCSC sought a detailed report from Punjab’s chief secretary and director general of police within five days
Quotes
Kishor Makwana
Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes
“Gulzar was threatened and due to this, he took an extreme step.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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