Story perspectives

Congress demands probe after Gulzar Singh’s death, detentions

By Drooid · Sep 16, 2026, 10:17 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Congress leaders marched to Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema’s Chandigarh home demanding removal and a probe into Gulzar Singh’s death.
Police detained Sachin Pilot, Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, and Partap Singh Bajwa during the march on September 15, 2026.
Sachin Pilot accused the AAP government of worsening Punjab’s drug crisis, alleging synthetic “chitta” reaches homes.
Congress demanded Harpal Singh Cheema’s name be added to the FIR investigating Gulzar Singh’s death.

History

Historical Context

In 1998, Punjab Police launched Operation Blue Lotus, seizing 1,200 kg of heroin in Ludhiana and prompting a statewide crackdown. Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal announced a INR30 billion budget, while the Nations Office on Drugs and Crime cited a 45 % rise in synthetic drug seizures. Today's Congress march on Minister Harpal Singh Cheema’s Chandigarh residence echoes the 1998 protests, demanding accountability for “chitta” floods and a probe into Gulzar Singh’s death. If authorities repeat the 1998 punitive model, Punjab could see intensified police operations, heightened political tension, and potential reforms to drug-policy legislation.

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Story summary

Congress leaders marched to Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema’s Chandigarh home demanding removal and a probe into Gulzar Singh’s death.
Police detained Sachin Pilot, Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, and Partap Singh Bajwa during the march on September 15, 2026.
Sachin Pilot accused the AAP government of worsening Punjab’s drug crisis, alleging synthetic “chitta” reaches homes.
Congress demanded Harpal Singh Cheema’s name be added to the FIR investigating Gulzar Singh’s death.

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