Gulzar Singh death: NCSC seeks Punjab govt report, BJP steps up attack on AAP

Pathankot MLA and former Punjab BJP president Ashwani Sharma (R), while demanding justice for Gulzar Singh's (L) family PATHANKOT: The death of Gulzar Singh, a resident of Sangrur, has provided the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with an issue to raise against the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), particularly ahead of the upcoming elections. Pathankot MLA and former Punjab BJP president Ashwani Sharma, while demanding justice for Gulzar Singh's family, questioned whether those in positions of power could be allowed to become a source of pressure or harassment. The issue gained further significance after the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) issued a notice to the Punjab Government, seeking a detailed report on the incident within five days and its chairman announcing a visit to Sangrur on September 10. Referring to Gulzar Singh's death, Sharma raised questions about the alleged drug problem in his village. He said that instead of addressing Gulzar Singh's concerns, allegations had emerged that he was pressured to apologise and was subjected to mental harassment . "These allegations are extremely serious and must be investigated impartially," Sharma said. He alleged that in his last video and statement, Gulzar Singh had reportedly named Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, the village sarpanch and several other persons. "Whether these allegations are true or not must be established through a fair and transparent investigation. Every name mentioned by Gulzar Singh must be examined without political interference," the MLA said. Sources said the BJP has decided to raise the issue extensively ahead of the elections, alleging that it reflects the AAP government's anti-Dalit stance and hoping to mobilise support among Dalit voters as the party prepares to contest the elections with full force. Meanwhile, a Press Information Bureau (PIB) release issued on Tuesday evening stated that, according to a complaint received by the Commission, Gulzar Singh had raised questions before the Punjab Finance Minister regarding the problem of narcotic substances in the state. In a video circulated on social media before his death, Gulzar Singh reportedly claimed that he had consumed poison due to fear of the minister. He also levelled serious allegations against certain members of the village panchayat. The NCSC has issued notices to the Punjab Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, directing them to submit the facts of the case and a report on the action taken on the allegations within five days of receiving the notice. NCSC Chairman Kishor Makwana described the matter as an extremely serious and sensitive incident. He said that allegations made against a minister and certain members of the village panchayat by name in a video recorded before Gulzar Singh's death warranted an impartial, independent and high-level inquiry. Makwana said that a detailed report had been sought from the Punjab Government. He also announced that he would visit Sangrur on September 10, to examine the matter and ascertain the veracity of the allegations. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Chandigarh | Silver Rate in Chandigarh | Bank Holidays in Chandigarh | Public Holidays in Chandigarh | Chandigarh AQI | Weather in Chandigarh | Petrol Price in Chandigarh | Diesel Price in Chandigarh | CNG Price in Chandigarh | LPG Price in Chandigarh Stay updated with the latest Chandigarh news. Download the TOI App.