18 hrs ago
Punjab Father’s Death Highlights Drug Crisis and Government Scrutiny
Gulzar Singh was a farm worker from a village in Punjab.
His family says he was very worried because his adult son was addicted to drugs.
They say the son sold household goods and the family’s stored wheat to buy drugs.
Gulzar questioned Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema about the drug problem during a visit to the village.
The family says Gulzar was later threatened and embarrassed.
He then apparently drank pesticide and died in a hospital.
Police arrested five people, and a special team will investigate what happened.
The government has reported large drug seizures and many arrests.
More people are also going to government centres for help with addiction.
Gulzar Singh, a 53-year-old agricultural labourer, died after apparently consuming pesticide following a confrontation during a minister’s village visit.
His family says he was distressed by his son’s addiction and was threatened and humiliated after questioning Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema.
Police arrested five people under abetment-to-suicide charges and provisions of the SC/ST Act; a four-member SIT will investigate.
The family says drugs are easily available in the area and wants stronger government action against suppliers and addiction.
Punjab reported 25,290 admissions to government de-addiction centres in 2025, while authorities also reported major drug seizures and 25,339 arrests.
- Who
- Gulzar Singh, his family, Finance Minister and Dirba MLA Harpal Singh Cheema, village representatives, Punjab police, and the state government.
- What
- Gulzar Singh died after apparently consuming pesticide following a confrontation about drug availability and his son’s addiction.
- Where
- Toor Banzara village in Dirba constituency, Sangrur district, Punjab.
- When
- He consumed the pesticide on Monday and died that night; five arrests were made on Tuesday. The article also cites drug data from March 1 of the previous year through 2025 and admissions through July 2025.
- Why
- According to his family, Gulzar was distressed by his son’s addiction and wanted the government to act against the easy availability of drugs.
Family’s allegations
Government and investigation response
What led to Gulzar’s death
Family’s allegations
Gulzar’s family says he confronted Harpal Singh Cheema over the drug supply, was threatened and humiliated, and later consumed pesticide.
Government and investigation response
The article reports the death as apparently by suicide and says police arrested five people while a special investigation team examines the circumstances.
Extent of government action
Family’s allegations
The family and villagers say drugs remain readily available, and they want stronger action to prevent access in Sangrur.
Government and investigation response
The Punjab government and police point to reported seizures, arrests, the anti-drug campaign, and expanding admissions to government de-addiction centres.
Key facts
- Deceased
- Gulzar Singh, 53, an agricultural labourer from Toor Banzara
- Reported cause
- He apparently consumed Sulphas pesticide and died at a hospital on Monday night
- Arrests
- Five people were arrested under abetment-to-suicide charges and provisions of the SC/ST Act
- Investigation
- A four-member special investigation team was formed to examine police officials’ and others’ roles
- Reported seizures
- Authorities reported seizing 3,757 kg of heroin, 964 kg of opium, nearly 45 tonnes of poppy husk, and other drugs
- Drug-related arrests
- Police reported arresting 25,339 people during the cited anti-drug campaign period
- De-addiction admissions
- Admissions to government centres rose from 9,577 in 2024 to 25,290 in 2025
Quotes
Sehbaz Singh
Gulzar Singh’s 23-year-old son
“One person has to remain at home or he steals one thing or the other and sells it to meet his needs. Last year, he stole my gold earrings. He has sold utensils, the LPG cylinder, whatever he finds.”
indianexpress.com
“My father left home at around 10.30 am on Monday. But when he came back at around noon, he had already consumed Sulphas.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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