Death of Dalit Labourer Gulzar Singh Sparks Political Row in Punjab

On September 7, Gulzar Singh, a Dalit labourer from Tur Banjara village in Sangrur district, died after allegedly consuming poison. His family alleges that he was harassed and subjected to casteist slurs after questioning Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema about drug availability in the area during a development programme a day earlier. The family also claims that village officials pressured Gulzar to apologise, contributing to his distress. A video recorded by Gulzar before his death, in which he mentions confronting the minister, has become a focal point of the opposition’s campaign.

Have evidence to expose Opposition's politics: Punjab minister on labourer's suicide The Indian Express

BJP MP Tarun Chugh visited the bereaved family, called the death “deeply disturbing,” and demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, saying he would raise the case with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He also called for Cheema’s resignation and registration of cases against individuals named in Gulzar’s video. The Congress and BJP opposition parties have similarly demanded Cheema’s resignation and an independent FIR.

The Indian ExpressHave evidence to expose Opposition's politics: Punjab minister on labourer's suicide

Cheema broke his silence, stating he possesses “enough evidence” and that an investigation is underway, but declined to disclose details until the probe concludes. He asserted that the family’s original statement is already public and warned that the opposition is “playing politics over dead bodies.” The Punjab Police have formed a special investigation team to examine the case.

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The incident has revived debate over Punjab’s drug problem. BJP Punjab president Kewal Singh Dhillon highlighted the widespread impact of drug addiction on families, while Cheema defended the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s two-pronged approach of enforcement and treatment, citing the “Yudh Nashean Virudh” campaign and anti-drone measures. The BJP has announced four “Nasha Mukt” yatras beginning September 18 to raise awareness.

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• “I have enough evidence. I do not want to bring out that evidence now as an investigation is currently underway. Let the investigation be completed,” — Harpal Singh Cheema, punjab finance minister

The Indian Express

• “The central question is whether raising a complaint against drugs has itself become a crime under the Bhagwant Mann government,” — Tarun Chugh

The Indian Express

• “Someone’s son, someone’s brother, someone’s husband and someone’s father is falling prey to drugs. The stories of families devastated by drugs are deeply disturbing,” — Kewal Singh Dhillon, punjab BJP president

The Indian Express

• “I have all the evidence. An investigation is ongoing in this case. When the time comes, I will bring all the evidence of how this Opposition is playing politics over bodies in this case,” — Harpal Singh Cheema, punjab finance minister

Have evidence to expose Opposition's politics: Punjab minister on labourer's suicide