Threats and Torture for Questioning Failures: Rahul Gandhi
Congress MP targets Punjab AAP government over Gulzar Singh’s death, seeks independent probe
- Rahul Gandhi alleges threats and police pressure against those questioning Punjab’s drug menace.
- He refers to the death of Sangrur resident Gulzar Singh after consuming pesticide.
- Gandhi seeks the resignation of Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and an impartial investigation.
- Government data shows a sharp rise in admissions at state-run de-addiction centres.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 9th Sept: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has launched a fresh attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab over the death of 50-year-old Gulzar Singh, alleging that people questioning the government’s handling of the drug menace are being threatened and subjected to pressure.
Referring to the Sangrur resident’s case, Gandhi alleged that Singh had questioned Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema over the state government’s efforts to tackle drug trafficking. He claimed Singh was subsequently subjected to pressure by police to apologise and later consumed pesticide.
Gandhi said Singh, who belonged to the Dalit community, had been concerned after his son became a victim of drugs. According to Gandhi, Singh questioned the Finance Minister about the government’s failure to stop the drug trade.
The Congress MP alleged that Singh was subjected to humiliation and pressure and, after consuming poison, was taken from one hospital to another without adequate treatment before his death.
Gandhi also referred to the case of Mohanjeet Singh, whom he alleged was subjected to custodial torture after protesting against the drug problem at an event attended by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
“The government’s job is to answer to the people, not to crush those who ask questions,” Gandhi said, calling for justice for Gulzar Singh’s family.
He urged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to seek the resignation of Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and ensure an independent and impartial investigation, including registration of Cheema’s name in the FIR.
The Congress also criticised the AAP government and said people of Punjab would vote it out in the upcoming election.
Meanwhile, government data cited in the report indicates a significant rise in admissions at state-run de-addiction and rehabilitation centres. Admissions increased from 9,577 in 2024 to 25,290 in 2025, a rise of more than 164 per cent. More than 14,000 people had already been admitted by July 2026.
