Slug: Punjab Drug Row
Chandigarh
Congress Punjab in-charge Sachin Pilot on Tuesday led a protest march against the ruling Aam Aadmi Party government, demanding the resignation of Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema over the alleged suicide of Sangrur resident Gulzar Singh.
Gulzar Singh had publicly raised concerns about the availability of drugs, commonly referred to as “chitta”, in his village and had questioned Cheema on the issue. He allegedly consumed poison after claiming that he faced pressure and intimidation following his public intervention.
Pilot accused the Punjab government of failing to respond adequately to the matter and said Cheema had been named by Gulzar Singh. He demanded an inquiry and registration of an FIR, alleging that pressure had been placed on the victim.
“The Finance Minister is responsible for this, and he has been named by Gulzar Singh,” Pilot told IANS, adding that the government had become disconnected from the people and was not addressing the wider drug problem in Punjab.
The Congress leader also accused the AAP government of attempting to suppress the protest through baton charges and water cannons. He said the Congress would continue raising the issue, describing it as a matter concerning Punjab’s youth and future. Pilot also alleged that political and administrative authorities could not be unaware of the drug trade operating in the state.
Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa demanded Cheema’s immediate removal and arrest, pointing out that an FIR had allegedly been registered against the village sarpanch but not against the minister. The Congress has vowed to intensify its campaign against the state government over the issue.
