Punjab villager death: Congress Sachin Pilot, Partap Bajwa detained during protest against Cheema
Congress leaders Sachin Pilot and Partap Singh Bajwa were detained during a protest in Punjab demanding the removal of Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema. The protest follows the suicide of a Dalit man who alleged harassment after questioning the minister about the local drug trade.
Why it matters
The incident highlights significant political unrest in Punjab and growing public concern over the state's drug crisis and governance.
Congress AICC general secretary in-charge of Punjab Sachin Pilot, Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa and other party leaders were detained by police on Tuesday (September 15, 2026) during a protest to demand the removal of Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema over the alleged death by suicide of a Dalit man.
The protesters, who also demanded an independent probe into the incident, tried to march towards the official residence of Mr. Cheema and force their way through barricades, but were met with water cannons.
Gulzar Singh, who hailed from Dirba in Sangrur district, died by suicide on September 7. . His family has alleged that he was harassed and subjected to casteist slurs for questioning Mr. Cheema about the supply of drugs in his area at an event in Dirba the day before.
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