SC panel takes note of Sangrur man's death over drug issue, seeks Punjab govt's response

Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 8 (IANS) The National Commission for Scheduled Castes on Tuesday took serious note of the death case of Sangrur resident Gulzar Singh over a rise in the drug issue and has sought a response from the Punjab government and the police administration. State President of the BJP Scheduled Caste Morcha and former MLA, Sheetal Angural, submitted a complaint to the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, demanding an impartial investigation into the serious allegations raised in the case. Angural said that, taking cognizance of his complaint, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes has issued notices to the Chief Secretary of Punjab, the Director General of Police (DGP), the Deputy Commissioner of Sangrur and the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Sangrur. The commission has directed the officials concerned to submit an action taken report within five days of receiving the notice. He said that the commission, exercising its powers under Article 338 of the Constitution, has decided to conduct an inquiry or investigation into the matter. This development is an important step towards ensuring justice for the family of Gulzar Singh. 'I had placed before the National Commission for Scheduled Castes the serious allegations related to the death of Gulzar Singh and demanded an impartial investigation. The commission taking immediate cognizance and issuing notices to senior Punjab officials makes it clear that the seriousness of this matter cannot be ignored,' Angural told the media. He said that justice must be delivered to the family of Gulzar Singh and a fair and transparent investigation into the entire matter must be ensured. He expressed hope that the state government and the officials would comply with the commission's directions and submit a complete action taken report within the stipulated time. Angural said that the matter will continue to be raised strongly until justice is delivered to the victim's family.