Archive · 16 Sep 2026
High Court Seeks Report as Cheema Denies Sangrur Conspiracy
Gulzar Singh died in Punjab after allegedly consuming poison.
His family said he had been harassed after asking Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema about drugs.
A video said to show Singh’s last moments also mentioned Cheema.
Opposition parties want Cheema removed and want an investigation by an agency outside the Punjab Police.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has asked the state government for a report about the investigation.
The court will hear the matter again on October 6.
Police have already formed a special investigation team.
Cheema says the BJP, Congress and Akali Dal are trying to frame him.
He says he has evidence but will share it after the investigation is complete.
Gulzar Singh died on September 7 after allegedly consuming poison in Turbanjara village, Sangrur.
His family alleged that he faced harassment and casteist slurs after questioning Harpal Singh Cheema about local drug supplies.
Opposition parties demanded Cheema’s resignation, an FIR and an independent or CBI investigation into Singh’s death.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court sought a Punjab government status report and scheduled the next hearing for October 6.
Cheema accused the BJP, Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal of conspiring to frame him, while a Punjab Police special investigation team probes the case.
- Who
- Gulzar Singh, his family, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, opposition parties, the Punjab Police special investigation team and the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
- What
- A political and legal dispute over Singh’s alleged suicide, allegations involving Cheema, and demands for an independent or CBI probe.
- When
- Singh died on September 7; Cheema responded on September 16; the next court hearing is scheduled for October 6.
- Where
- Turbanjara village in Dirba, Sangrur, Punjab; the case is being heard by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in Chandigarh.
- Why
- Singh’s family alleged harassment after he questioned 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 that he was harassed and subjected to casteist slurs after questioning Cheema about drug supplies. Opposition parties sought an FIR against Cheema and demanded his resignation.
Harpal Singh Cheema and Punjab government
Cheema denied the allegations and accused the BJP, Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal of conspiring to frame him. He said he has evidence but will present it after the investigation is completed.
Type of investigation
Opposition parties and Singh’s family
Opposition leaders and the PIL petitioner sought an independent or CBI probe, saying the Punjab Police might not investigate properly and that political or administrative pressure could affect the case.
Harpal Singh Cheema and Punjab government
The Punjab government is relying on the Punjab Police special investigation team, while the High Court has requested a status report on the ongoing investigation.
Responsibility for Punjab’s drug problem
Opposition parties and Singh’s family
The BJP announced four Nasha Mukt yatras in Punjab and criticized the state government’s handling of the drug menace.
Harpal Singh Cheema and Punjab government
Cheema defended the Bhagwant Mann government’s anti-drug drive, police action and anti-drone systems, and said the Centre and the Border Security Force must address cross-border smuggling.
- Deceased
- Gulzar Singh, a daily wager from Turbanjara village in Dirba
- Date of death
- September 7
- Allegations
- Singh’s family alleged harassment and casteist slurs after he questioned Cheema about drug supplies
- Police investigation
- A special investigation team formed by the Punjab Police is investigating the death
- Court action
- The Punjab and Haryana High Court sought a Punjab government status report
- Next hearing
- October 6
- Legal case
- A 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 against five villagers
- Opposition demands
- Cheema’s resignation, an FIR and an independent or CBI investigation