Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and a senior Congress leader, has launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab following the tragic suicide of Gulzar Singh. Gandhi alleged that a dangerous pattern is emerging in the state where those who dare to question the government's failures are met with threats and torture instead of answers. He emphasized that the primary responsibility of a government is to be accountable to its citizens, not to suppress their voices through intimidation.
The Incident and Allegations of Torture
The controversy stems from an incident involving Gulzar Singh, a 50 year old man from Turbunjara village in Sangrur district. Singh, who belonged to the Dalit community, had reportedly seen his own son fall victim to drug addiction. During a public meeting attended by Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema, Gulzar Singh stood up and asked a direct question regarding the rampant and open sale of drugs in the state, while he questioned why the government had failed so miserably in curbing the drug trade that was destroying lives.
According to Rahul Gandhi and local reports, this simple act of seeking accountability led to severe repercussions for Singh. Instead of receiving an answer, he was allegedly subjected to intense pressure, humiliation, and harassment. Local officials and associates were reportedly sent to his house to coerce him into apologizing for questioning the minister. Distressed by this continuous harassment and the demand for an apology, Gulzar Singh consumed Celphos, a poisonous substance. After consuming the poison, Singh recorded a video alleging that the village Panch and Sarpanch pressured him to apologize for his question to the minister.
Death and Legal Action
Following the consumption of poison, Gulzar Singh was rushed to various hospitals. He was eventually admitted to the DMC Hospital in Ludhiana, where he passed away during treatment, while rahul Gandhi noted that Singh lost his life after struggling for medical care while moving from one hospital to another. In response to the incident, the Punjab Police in Sangrur have registered an FIR and arrested five individuals. The FIR was filed based on the statement of Lakhwinder Singh alias Lakha, the son of the deceased.
The individuals named in the FIR include Baljit Singh alias Raj (Sarpanch), Sukhdev Singh alias Sukha (Conductor), Vicky Singh (Panchayat member), Gona Singh son of Babu Singh, and Baljinder Kaur (Sarpanch). 2026, involving Section 108 of the BNS and Section 3(1)(R)(S) of the SC/ST Act. The accused are alleged to have pressured Gulzar Singh to apologize, which ultimately led to his suicide.
Rahul Gandhi's Demands and the Dangerous Pattern
Rahul Gandhi took to social media to express his outrage, stating that the AAP government is failing to protect its citizens. He mentioned another instance involving a youth named Mohanjeet Singh, with whom he spoke last week. Mohanjeet was allegedly tortured for protesting against Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Gandhi argued that these incidents highlight a systematic attempt to crush dissent in Punjab.
The Congress leader has made specific demands to ensure justice for Gulzar Singh's family. He called upon Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to immediately seek the resignation of Finance Minister Harpal Cheema. Plus, Gandhi demanded an independent and fair investigation into the matter, insisting that the minister's name should be included in the FIR. He reiterated that the government's duty is to serve the people and provide answers, not to resort to torture when questioned about its failures in governance and the drug crisis.