NHRC Seeks Records in Punjab Man's Suicide After Drugs Complaint
NHRC has sought records and ordered an inquiry into the suicide of a Punjab man who had publicly raised concerns about the drug trade.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has intervened in the case of a 50-year-old Punjab man who died by suicide after raising concerns over the drug menace in the state. The Commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretary, the Director General of Police, and the District Magistrate and Senior Superintendent of Police of Sangrur, directing them to investigate allegations of harassment and intimidation against the deceased.
The man, identified as Gulzar Singh, died late on September 7. The NHRC's action follows a complaint filed by Rajesh Bagha, a former chairman of the Punjab State Commission for Scheduled Castes. The complaint alleged that Singh had faced harassment after publicly confronting Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema at an official event, claiming his son had become a drug addict and his family had been financially ruined.
The rights body has sought a copy of Singh's dying declaration, along with the inquest report, postmortem report, and other relevant records. In its notice, the NHRC observed that the allegations "prima facie seem to be violations of the human rights of the victim" and has asked authorities to submit an Action Taken Report within two weeks.
The case has sparked a political row in Punjab, with opposition leaders questioning why the contents of the alleged dying declaration should not be examined. A senior police officer in Sangrur said authorities are examining a video reportedly recorded by Singh before his death, though the written complaint from his family does not mention the minister. A Special Investigation Team formed by the state government will now look into the matter. The allegations against Cheema and others remain subject to investigation.