Elderly man Gulzar Singh dies at Ludhianas DMC after consuming poisonous substance, blames Harpal Cheema, village sarpanch for death
A video reportedly recorded before his death has gone viral on social media. In the video, Gulzar Singh allegedly held Minister Harpal Cheema and the village sarpanch responsible for his death.
PTC News Desk: Gulzar Singh, who had questioned Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema over the open sale of drugs in Sangrur, died late at night at DMC Hospital in Ludhiana.
A video reportedly recorded before his death has gone viral on social media. In the video, Gulzar Singh allegedly held Minister Harpal Cheema and the village sarpanch responsible for his death.
Gulzar Singh, allegedly swallowed a poisonous substance following an incident during a programme attended by Punjab Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema in Dirba. He was initially taken to a private hospital in Sangrur and later referred to DMCH, Ludhiana, where he succumbed late at night.
According to information, during the minister’s programme yesterday, Gulzar Singh questioned Harpal Singh Cheema, saying, “My son openly consumes chitta. Why don’t you stop the drug?”
Sources said that after raising the question, the man was allegedly taken aside by the police.
Elderly man alleges he was forced to apologise
In his statement, Gulzar Singh alleged that he was being repeatedly pressured to apologise after raising questions about the drug situation.
He further alleged that he was harassed by people associated with the village administration and that the pressure became so intense that he ultimately consumed a poisonous substance. Singh is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Sangrur.
According to his statement, he has named four persons whom he holds responsible for the pressure and circumstances leading up to the incident.
The development is particularly significant because it comes at a time when the Punjab government is aggressively promoting its anti-drug campaign.