Post-Mortem Confirms Punjab Man Died Of Drug Overdose
Official findings contradict murder narrative, sparking intense political backlash against Punjab government.
1Toxicology Report Findings
The post-mortem report for 35-year-old Daljit Singh confirms the presence of morphine and benzodiazepines in his system. These findings directly contradict the initial murder case registered by the Punjab Police. The victim was discovered in fields near Ramanandi, validating the long-standing suspicions held by his grieving family regarding his cause of death.
2Family Allegations and Protests
Daljit Singh's family consistently maintained that he died from a drug overdose after traveling to Mansa to procure substances. Following his death, they staged a significant protest by blocking the Sirsa-Mansa road. They demanded the immediate arrest of local drug dealers, claiming that authorities were attempting to obscure the true circumstances.
3Police Conduct Under Scrutiny
The victim's sister, Amarjit Kaur, filed a petition alleging that the initial post-mortem at AIIMS Bathinda was conducted without family consent. The family further accused the police of forcibly taking possession of the body during their protest. These actions have led to widespread criticism regarding the transparency of the state's investigative process.
4Political Backlash Against AAP
The Shiromani Akali Dal, led by MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal, has launched a scathing attack on the AAP-led Punjab government. Badal accused Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal of orchestrating a deliberate deception. The opposition claims the police attempted to frame the death as a murder to avoid addressing the drug crisis.
5High Court Intervention
Due to the intense legal standoff and public outcry, the Punjab and Haryana High Court intervened to manage the situation. The court mandated specific logistics for the final rites and ordered a second, independent autopsy at PGIMER Chandigarh. This judicial oversight was necessary to resolve the conflicting narratives surrounding the victim's tragic death.
6Final Rites and Deployment
Following the court-mandated modifications to the handling of the case, Daljit Singh was finally cremated in his native village on November 5. The ceremony took place under heavy police deployment to maintain order. The family, who lost their sole breadwinner, remains devastated while awaiting the results of the second independent autopsy report.
7Broader Drug Crisis Context
This incident in Mansa highlights the persistent drug menace currently plaguing the Punjab region. The district previously witnessed the murder of drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, further underscoring the volatility of the situation. Despite repeated promises from successive governments to eradicate the drug mafia, the supply chain remains deeply entrenched and highly dangerous.
8Political Implications for Punjab
As Punjab approaches the upcoming poll season, the drug issue has become a central point of contention. The case of Daljit Singh serves as a grim reminder of the gap between political rhetoric and the reality on the ground. Voters are increasingly questioning the efficacy of current law and order enforcement strategies.
Original article: NDTV – India — Post-Mortem Confirms Punjab Man Died Of Drug Overdose