A fresh political row has erupted in Punjab after a man allegedly swallowed a poisonous substance outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Sangrur district, claiming that authorities had failed to act against the alleged sale of drugs in his village.
Jagseer Singh alias Jagga was taken to the Sangrur government hospital and later referred to Rajindra Hospital in Patiala for further treatment. Jagseer alleged that drugs were being sold in his village, Namol, and that the Sarpanch and administration had repeatedly been informed about the issue, but no effective action followed. Manjinder claimed that no action was taken despite the alleged incident. However, doctors gave a different account of the substance consumed. The incident has now triggered a political confrontation, with Congress and BJP leaders targeting the Aam Aadmi Party government over the drug menace and the safety of people who allegedly raise their voice against drugs. Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa also targeted the Punjab government, saying another man had attempted suicide in Sangrur, the home district of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
He said Jagseer had told him that he had consumed Sulphas. Dr Iqbalpreet Singh said the patient had consumed a poisonous substance, received first aid and was referred to Rajindra Hospital in Patiala for further treatment. The substance was identified as “Farnel”, according to the doctor. Congress’s Punjab in-charge Sachin Pilot said the incident showed the “pressure and mistreatment” allegedly faced by those speaking against drugs in Punjab. He said Jagga had allegedly received threats and faced harassment after posting videos against drugs, and questioned the accountability of the AAP government and administration. He questioned the government’s “Drug-Free Punjab” claims, saying that if anti-drug activists were not safe even in the Chief Minister’s home district, questions would naturally arise over the administration’s response to the drug menace.
His friend Manjinder Singh, who accompanied him to the DC office, alleged that Jagseer had earlier made videos showing people allegedly selling Chitta and was subsequently attacked.
