Chandigarh, September 16
BJP Rajya Sabha MP Tarun Chugh today visited Toor Banjara village in Sangrur district and met the bereaved family of late Gulzar Singh, sharing his condolences with his mother and other family members. Describing the circumstances surrounding Gulzar Singh’s death as deeply disturbing, Chugh said the family had suffered immense pain and assured them that the BJP would stand firmly with them in their pursuit of justice. He said the incident had raised serious questions about the safety of ordinary citizens who dare to speak against the drug menace in Punjab.
Chugh said Gulzar Singh had allegedly raised his voice against the open sale of drugs in his village and had brought the issue of children falling into the grip of drugs to the notice of the authorities. He said the central question was whether raising a complaint against drugs had itself become a crime under the Bhagwant Mann government. Chugh said the allegations shared by the family regarding pressure, intimidation and the treatment of Gulzar Singh after his suicide attempt require a thorough and impartial investigation. The family has alleged that he was not provided timely medical assistance and was taken from one place to another for several hours.
Chugh said he would soon take up the matter with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and seek an investigation by a central agency so that the truth can emerge without political or administrative pressure. He said the family had informed him that they were still facing pressure and intimidation, and he had asked them to provide the details in writing so that he could place the entire matter before the Union Home Minister. Chugh also appealed to the police officials concerned to remember that they have taken an oath to uphold the Constitution of India and that their responsibility is to protect citizens, deliver justice and act against perpetrators, not to become instruments of pressure against ordinary people.
Demanding accountability from the Punjab government, Chugh called for the immediate resignation of Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, in view of the allegations against him in Gulzar Singh’s statement. He further demanded that cases be registered against all those named by Gulzar Singh before his death and that their role be investigated in accordance with law. Referring to the family’s account of the circumstances surrounding Gulzar Singh’s death and subsequent last rites, Chugh said every allegation must be examined through police records, medical records and other available evidence. He said the truth must be established through a fair investigation and those found responsible must face stringent legal action.
Chugh said the matter had already been brought to the notice of the National Human Rights Commission and the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and welcomed the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s decision to seek a status report on the police investigation. He said the allegations regarding the treatment of Gulzar Singh, the alleged delay in medical assistance and the circumstances surrounding his last rites make it imperative that the investigation is transparent and time-bound. Chugh said the family must not be subjected to any further pressure and that every constitutional and legal avenue would be pursued to ensure justice.
Chugh said the Gulzar Singh case had brought into sharp focus the larger crisis of drugs and law and order in Punjab. He said people across villages and neighbourhoods were witnessing the devastating impact of drugs on families, while citizens who raise their voice against the menace must be protected rather than intimidated. Chugh said the Bhagwant Mann-Arvind Kejriwal government cannot resolve the drug crisis through slogans and claims alone; it must ensure effective action against drug networks and protect those who expose the problem. He reaffirmed that the BJP stands firmly with Gulzar Singh’s family and will pursue the matter through every appropriate constitutional and legal forum until justice is delivered.