A youth from Punjab's Sangrur district allegedly consumed a poisonous substance after claiming he faced repeated threats for exposing alleged drug trafficking in his village, bringing renewed attention to concerns over the drug menace and administrative response in the region.
The incident involves Jagsir Singh, also known as Jagga, a resident of Namol village in Sangrur district. According to the allegations made by the youth, he consumed poison outside the District Administrative Complex in Sangrur after becoming distressed over what he described as a lack of action against drug-related activities and continued intimidation.
The incident took place on Sunday. Following the alleged suicide attempt, Jagsir Singh was first taken to the Civil Hospital in Sangrur. Due to his condition, he was later referred to Rajindra Hospital in Patiala, where he is currently undergoing treatment.
In a video statement, Jagsir Singh claimed that he had uploaded footage on social media showing the open supply of "chitta", a synthetic drug, in Namol village. He alleged that after the video went viral, the village sarpanch repeatedly threatened him and pressured him to delete the footage.
The youth further alleged that CCTV cameras installed at his residence were damaged. He also claimed that despite submitting a written complaint to the police regarding the matter, no action was taken.
Police officials said a case has been registered in connection with the incident in which Jagsir Singh allegedly consumed poison. Authorities added that an investigation into the matter is underway.
The development comes just days after another incident in Sangrur district that sparked public debate. On September 7, labourer Gulzar Singh died by suicide. His family had alleged that he was humiliated after questioning Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema about drug supply during an event in Dirba.
Opposition Targets Punjab Government
The latest incident prompted sharp reactions from opposition parties, which criticised the Bhagwant Mann-led government over the issue.
Bharatiya Janata Party MP Tarun Chugh said on X that Jagsir Singh's only fault was raising his voice against the drug mafia. Chugh alleged that the police failed to assist the youth and claimed that persistent pressure from the village sarpanch had made his life difficult. He also questioned the state government's handling of the drug problem and said those unable to curb the drug mafia had no moral right to remain in office.
Leader of the Opposition and senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa also expressed concern over the incident. He said it was troubling that such an episode had occurred in Sangrur, the home district of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
Bajwa questioned the government's claims of a "Rangla Punjab" and a drug-free Punjab, asking what credibility such promises held if a young man speaking out against drugs felt so helpless that he was driven to such an extreme step.
The incident has once again placed the spotlight on allegations surrounding drug trafficking in Punjab and the response of local authorities, even as police continue their investigation into the claims made by the youth.