Punjab Opposition corners AAP government after villager’s death
Gulzar Singh, a 47-year-old from Dirba in Sangrur district, died on September 7. His family said he had questioned Harpal Cheema about the supply of drugs in the area during an event in Dirba
On Tuesday, September 8, 2026, the Punjab Opposition seized upon the alleged death of a villager in an effort to criticize the ruling AAP government. The victim, Gulzar Singh, a 47-year-old resident of Dirba in Sangrur district, passed away the previous night after consuming poison. His family claims that Gulzar had questioned Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema about the persistent supply of drugs in their area during a public gathering on September 6.
Following his questioning, Gulzar was allegedly pushed by locals to take his own life. His nephew, Karanvir Singh, recounted that Gulzar was taken outside the event venue and pressured to make an apology before consuming the pesticide Celphos. The purported video of Gulzar's final moments quickly went viral, prompting Opposition parties to demand a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia expressed his desire for justice, alleging that Gulzar had only asked Cheema about the drug problem and was subsequently subjected to extreme harassment and coercion. Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring condemned the incident, stating that the father had raised his voice against the drug menace and was subsequently forced to attempt suicide due to immense pressure.
Gulzar questioned Cheema's ability to control the drug supply in his area, stating that "chitta" (synthetic drugs) had not been stopped. After being initially taken to Civil Hospital in Sangrur, then to Rajindra Hospital in Patiala, and finally to a private hospital in Ludhiana, Gulzar succumbed to his injuries on September 7 night.
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