Punjab man, who questioned minister over 'chitta' menace, dies after consuming poison
A 46-year-old man in Punjab died by suicide after allegedly being pressured by local leaders to apologize for questioning a government minister about the local drug crisis. The family is demanding legal action against the minister, claiming the man was harassed following his public confrontation.
Why it matters
The case underscores the severe social impact of the drug epidemic in Punjab and the risks associated with public accountability of political figures.
SANGRUR: A 46-year-old man died by suicide after consuming poison on Monday after local ruling-party leaders allegedly pressured him to apologise for questioning Punjab finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema over the supply of “chitta”, or synthetic drugs, in his village, his family said.Gulzar Singh, a resident of Toor Banjara village in minister Cheema’s Dirba assembly constituency, was battling for his life in hospital. He was initially taken to Sangrur civil hospital and referred to Govt Rajindra hospital, Patiala; however, he was again rushed to a private hospital in Sangrur and finally shifted to DMC Hospital, Ludhiana, as his condition worsened, said Lakhvir Singh, general secretary of Krantikari Pendu Mazdur Union Punjab.Lakhvir, who recorded Gulzar's statement on his mobile, said that more than two hours were wasted at govt Rajindra hospital as authorities informed them that they lacked some special equipment required for Gulzar's treatment.
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