Son dead, body ‘seized’ by police, father ‘missing’: A Punjab family’s ‘drug story’

On Tuesday, a tragic incident unfolded in Mansa city, Punjab, when the police forcibly removed the coffin containing Daljit Singh's body from a protest site, where anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota had been killed the previous month. Daljit, 34, died from drug-related causes, according to family claims, while the police described it as a "murder."

His father, Jarnail Singh, is currently missing after being taken by the police on Tuesday night. Daljit's family suspects he may have acquired drugs while away from home, leading to his death. The family, consisting of Daljit, his wife Paramjit Kaur, and their two children, now reside at the Jhota protest site, where they are seeking answers about their loved one's whereabouts and the circumstances surrounding his death.

Jhota, 26, was shot dead on October 13 after confronting a pharmacist suspected of selling drugs. His death sparked protests across Punjab, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah met with Jhota's family during his recent visit to the state. The family believes Daljit's involvement with drugs began after he left home without informing them, allegedly to meet someone.

Despite his wife and children's efforts to keep him sober, Daljit returned home with what appeared to be drugs. The family's financial struggles forced them to sell their three-acre land to fund Daljit's treatment and his ailing mother's care. The police have claimed they acted to maintain law and order, but the family and human rights organizations are demanding clarity and justice for the Singh family.