Sangrur suicide case sparks protest; family demands action against sarpanch

PTC Web Desk:  Tension escalated in Sangrur, Punjab, over the death of Sanamdeep Singh Sunny, who allegedly died by suicide after consuming a poisonous substance on September 25. His family members and several organisations staged a protest and blocked Barnala Chowk in Sangrur, demanding justice in the case.

According to the family, Sanamdeep had allegedly been threatened and intimidated by village sarpanch Deep Singh Bawa and his aides. The family has been demanding strict action against those they hold responsible for his death.

Five days after Sanamdeep’s death, his family has not yet performed the last rites. His body has been kept at the mortuary of Sangrur Civil Hospital.

The police have already registered a case against the current sarpanch, Deep Singh Bawa. However, the family is now demanding that provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act be added to the case.

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The protest at Barnala Chowk drew a heavy police deployment. DSP Satnam Singh reached the spot and interacted with the protesters. The situation reportedly became tense during discussions between the police officer and the demonstrators.

Family members, villagers and representatives of various organisations participated in the protest, calling for a fair investigation and justice for Sanamdeep.

Villagers back sarpanch, reject allegations

Meanwhile, a separate gathering was held at the panchayat house at village Akoi, where a section of villagers opposed the case registered against Sarpanch Deep Singh Bawa.

The villagers claimed that the case against the sarpanch was unjustified. They alleged that Sanamdeep had taken the extreme step following a dispute with his own family and claimed that an old personal rivalry was being used to implicate the sarpanch.

The two sides have therefore presented conflicting accounts of the circumstances surrounding Sanamdeep’s death.

The police investigation is expected to determine the circumstances leading to the death and the role, if any, of those named in the case.

⚠️ CONTENT WARNING⚠️

This article contains sensitive content related to suicide and self-harm and may be distressing or triggering for some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.

If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, please seek help immediately.

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