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Punjab minister Cheema alleges conspiracy amid Sangrur suicide demands
Gulzar Singh died after allegedly consuming poison in Punjab.
His family said he had been harassed after asking Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema about drugs.
Opposition parties said Cheema should resign and called for an independent investigation.
They also sought a police case against him after a video of Singh’s final moments appeared.
Cheema denied that he was responsible and said political parties were trying to frame him.
He said he had evidence but would wait until the investigation was complete.
A special investigation team from the Punjab Police is examining the death.
Cheema also criticized the BJP’s drug-awareness campaign and defended the Punjab government’s actions against drug trafficking.
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema accused the BJP, Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal of conspiring to frame him.
Gulzar Singh died on September 7 after allegedly consuming poison in Sangrur.
Singh’s family alleged he faced harassment and casteist slurs after questioning Cheema about drug supplies.
Opposition parties demanded Cheema’s resignation, an independent probe and an FIR against him.
A Punjab Police special investigation team is probing Singh’s death, while Cheema defended the government’s anti-drug measures.
- Who
- Gulzar Singh, his family, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, opposition parties and the Punjab Police special investigation team.
- What
- A political dispute over Singh’s death, allegations against Cheema, demands for his resignation and an ongoing investigation.
- Where
- Turbanjara village in Dirba, Sangrur, Punjab.
- When
- Singh died on September 7; Cheema responded to the allegations on September 16.
- Why
- Singh’s family alleged he was harassed after questioning Cheema about drug supplies, while Cheema said opposition parties were conspiring to frame him.
Opposition parties and Singh’s family
Harpal Singh Cheema and Punjab government
Responsibility for Singh’s death
Opposition parties and Singh’s family
Singh’s family alleged he was harassed and subjected to casteist slurs after questioning Cheema about drug supplies; opposition parties sought an FIR against the minister.
Harpal Singh Cheema and Punjab government
Cheema denied the political allegations, said opposition parties were trying to frame him and maintained that the investigation should be completed before he responds with evidence.
Accountability and investigation
Opposition parties and Singh’s family
Opposition parties demanded Cheema’s resignation and an independent probe into the death.
Harpal Singh Cheema and Punjab government
Cheema pointed to the Punjab Police special investigation team and said he would not release his evidence while the investigation was underway.
Responsibility for Punjab’s drug problem
Opposition parties and Singh’s family
The BJP planned drug-awareness marches in Punjab and criticized the state’s handling of the drug menace.
Harpal Singh Cheema and Punjab government
Cheema said the Centre and the Border Security Force must address cross-border smuggling, while defending Punjab’s anti-drug drive, anti-drone systems and action against traffickers.
Key facts
- Deceased
- Gulzar Singh of Turbanjara village in Dirba
- Date of death
- September 7
- Minister named in allegations
- Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema
- Investigation
- A special investigation team formed by the Punjab Police is probing the death
- Opposition demands
- Cheema’s resignation, an independent probe and an FIR against him
- Cheema’s response
- He accused the BJP, Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal of conspiring to frame him
- Border cited in drug debate
- Cheema referred to a 553-kilometre international border belt under the Border Security Force
Quotes
Harpal Singh Cheema
Punjab Finance Minister responding to allegations over Gulzar Singh’s death
“We are taking action against drug traffickers while also ensuring treatment for people suffering from drug addiction. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has issued strict directions to officials that no drug trafficker or peddler should be spared. Action must continue against everyone involved in the illegal drug trade.”
theprint.in
“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.”
theprint.in
Sources
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