Why Punjab AAP Government Is Facing Backlash Over A Dalit Labourer’s Suicide In Sangrur

Controversy erupted in Punjab's Sangrur district after Gulzar Singh, a 53-year-old Dalit agricultural labourer, allegedly died by suicide after speaking out about the state's drug crisis. Singh, whose son struggled with addiction, had confronted Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema over the issue prior to his death.

Singh was allegedly harassed by local leaders and was asked to apologise after he questioned Cheema during the latter’s visit to Toor Banzara. The 53-year-old farmer then released a video shortly before his death, which specifically mentioned Cheema. His family members later alleged that Gulzar was forcibly cremated without their consent.

ALSO READ: Caught On Cam | Three Masked Men Open Fire At Punjabi Singer Gulab Sidhu’s Home In Barnala

What’s the case?

Gulzar Singh was a member of the Valmiki community who worked as an agricultural labourer in his village. He had brought up the drug crisis in Punjab after failing to stop his eldest son from his drug addiction.

The deceased labourer’s family claimed that Gulzar’s 26-year-old son earned around Rs 800 per day, most of which he spent on drugs, according to The Indian Express. The addiction spiralled out of control when Gulzar’s son reportedly stole his mother’s gold earrings to get money for drugs and has even sold utensils and LPG cylinders from the house.

The saddening point for Gulzar came when his son sold almost the entire wheat stock that he had worked hard to harvest and store. According to Gulzar’s mother, he tried to question Cheema about the steps taken by the AAP government to check the drug menace that had affected youngsters like his son.

Cremated Without Consent?

Gulzar’s family accused the government of forcibly cremating his body without their consent. His son Lakhwinder Singh alleged that the family was not allowed to see his father’s face before the last rites and that they did not receive his clothes or other belongings.

ALSO READ: Pakistan Records Over 1,900 Child Abuse Cases In 6 Months; 80% Reported From Punjab

“The government cremated the body forcibly, without our consent. We should get justice. Cheema sahib should be jailed," he told news agency ANI. He also alleged that the government had promised the family a job and other assistance but failed to provide them.

A purported video of Gulzar’s final statement showed him raising concerns with Cheema about the availability of ‘chitta’ in the area and saying his own son was also addicted to drugs. His family has demanded action against all persons mentioned in the video.

Congress To Hold Protests Against AAP

Meanwhile, Punjab Congress has announced a protest march for Tuesday toward Cheema’s residence, demanding his immediate arrest in connection with Gulzar’s death.

"Led by General Secretary In-charge Shri @SachinPilot Ji, Punjab Congress will hold a protest march on September 15 at 11:00 AM from the party office in Chandigarh to AAP Minister Harpal Singh Cheema’s residence," said Congress leader Charanjit Singh Channi.

National Commission for Scheduled Castes Chairman Kishor Makwana met Gulzar’s family on Thursday. Following the incident, an FIR was registered against five individuals under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for abetment of suicide, as well as provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.