09 September,2026 11:36 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi demanded an independent probe into Gulzar Singh’s death. File pic
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday demanded justice for Gulzar Singh, a 50-year-old Punjab resident who allegedly died by suicide after consuming pesticide, and called for an independent and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Gandhi urged Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to seek the resignation of Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and ensure a fair investigation, including Cheema's name in the FIR.
The demand comes amid a political controversy surrounding Gulzar Singh's death and allegations that the Punjab government has failed to effectively address the state's drug problem.
Gulzar Singh, a resident of Sangrur district, reportedly consumed pesticide after allegedly facing pressure and humiliation following his criticism of the government's handling of the drug menace. He was reportedly able to speak to people before his death.
In a post on social media platform X, Gandhi alleged that Singh faced threats and pressure after questioning the government over the drug trade. He also linked the case to concerns about the safety of people who criticise the Punjab government.
Gandhi said, "A dangerous pattern is emerging in Punjab's AAP government - if you question government failures, the response will come in the form of threats and torture. Gulzar Singh ji, from the Dalit community, who had to watch his son fall victim to drugs, asked the Finance Minister just this much: Why has the government failed so miserably in stopping the drug trade."
He further said, "For just this, he was tortured and humiliated so much, pressured so intensely to apologise, that he consumed poison. Wandering from one hospital to another, without access to treatment, he ultimately lost the battle for his life. Last week, I also spoke with a young Mohanjeet Singh, who was tortured for protesting against Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann,"
Gandhi said the government should respond to questions raised by citizens rather than suppressing those who challenge it.
"The government's job is to answer to the people, not to crush those who ask questions. May Gulzar Singh ji's family get justice as soon as possible. The Chief Minister should immediately demand the Finance Minister's resignation and ensure an independent and impartial investigation, with his name registered in the FIR,"
In a video statement made before his death, Gulzar Singh allegedly blamed the village sarpanch for his condition and claimed he had faced pressure from police after questioning an Aam Aadmi Party leader.
"The sarpanch is also responsible for my death. I had questioned Cheema about drugs. My son takes drugs. My house was sold. I don't have anything and finally now I have consumed poison. The problem of drugs has not been solved anywhere in Punjab," Singh said.
The allegations have triggered demands for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Singh's death and accountability for those allegedly responsible.
(With inputs from IANS)
