Punjab Opposition corners AAP government after villager’s death
Opposition parties in Punjab are demanding an investigation into the death of a villager who allegedly died by suicide after being pressured for questioning a government minister about the state's drug crisis. The incident has intensified political scrutiny on the AAP government's handling of the drug menace.
Why it matters
The death highlights the volatile intersection of public frustration over drug addiction and political accountability in Punjab.
The drug menace in Punjab was under the spotlight on Tuesday (September 8, 2026) with the Opposition taking up in a big way the alleged death of a villager who said in a purported video that the supply of 'chitta' continued unabated and questioned Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema.
Gulzar Singh, a 47-year-old from Dirba in Sangrur district, died on Monday (September 7) night. His family said he had questioned Mr. Cheema about the supply of drugs in the area during an event in Dirba on September 6.
His nephew Karanvir Singh said Gulzar Singh was taken outside the venue by some local villagers after he questioned Mr. Cheema. The daily wager was also pressured by locals to seek an apology and consumed poison, Mr. Karanvir said, adding, "We want justice".
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