HighLights
  1. Man consumes poison outside Sangrur DC office over drug sales.
  2. Allegedly faced threats for posting videos against drug menace.
  3. Incident sparks major political criticism against AAP government.

Punjab's drug menace has triggered another political row after a man allegedly consumed a poisonous substance outside the Deputy Commissioner's office in Sangrur, claiming authorities had failed to act against the alleged sale of drugs in his village.

The incident drew criticism from Congress Punjab in-charge Sachin Pilot, who questioned the alleged harassment faced by people speaking against drugs in the state.

"The kind of pressure and mistreatment being meted out to those raising their voices against drugs in Punjab, this incident in Sangrur is clearly demonstrating it," Sachin Pilot wrote on X.

Pilot identified the man as Jagga Singh of Namol village and said he had allegedly faced threats after posting videos against drugs.

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"Resident of Namol village, Jagga Singh, consumed a poisonous substance outside the DC's office. Ever since he started posting videos against drugs, he had been receiving threats and being harassed. Amidst grand claims about a drug-free Punjab, such incidents have raised serious questions on the accountability of the AAP government and the administration."

"The ground reality is telling a completely different story, if even those raising their voices against drugs are not safe, then what kind of change are we talking about?" Pilot questioned.

Who is Jagga Singh?

Jagseer Singh alias Jagga was taken to Sangrur government hospital and later referred to Rajindra Hospital in Patiala. He had allegedly been raising concerns about drug sales in Namol through social media videos.

His friend Manjinder Singh alleged that Jagga had posted videos showing people purportedly selling 'chitta' and was later attacked. He claimed that no effective action followed despite the alleged incident. Manjinder also said Jagga told him he had consumed Sulphas.

Doctors, however, gave a different account of the substance involved. Dr Iqbalpreet Singh said the patient had consumed a poisonous substance, was irritable and semi-conscious when brought to the hospital, and was given first aid before being referred to Patiala. The doctor said the substance was identified as "Farnel".

"We received information about a patient who had been admitted due to phenyl poisoning. Upon bringing the patient into the hospital, we checked their vital signs; the patient was irritable and in a semi-unconscious state. We administered first aid and collected a sample related to the poisoning. We also consulted with the physician, as the patient's blood pressure was slightly elevated. After providing initial treatment, the patient was referred elsewhere. We have informed the police and also brought the matter to the attention of our SMO and senior officers," Dr Iqbal Singh said.

Opposition Targets AAP government

The incident has intensified criticism of the Bhagwant Mann government, with Congress and BJP leaders questioning its claims of tackling the drug menace.

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Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa alleged that Jagga was threatened and assaulted for speaking against drugs and questioned the government's "Drug-Free Punjab" claims.

BJP leaders Parminder Brar and Ravneet Singh Bittu also targeted the AAP government, with Bittu linking the case to recent incidents involving Mohanjeet Singh and Gulzar Singh in Sangrur.

The latest controversy comes amid the political row over the death of 46-year-old farmer Gulzar Singh, who had raised the drug issue at a public rally attended by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema. Police later registered an FIR against five people, including a sarpanch, her husband and two panchayat members, on allegations including abetment to suicide and caste-based humiliation.

The allegations surrounding drug sales, threats, assault and police inaction in Jagga's case have not been independently established. The investigation is expected to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident.


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