The opposition has directed its ire towards the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, following the police’s seizure of the body of 35-year-old Daljit Singh, who reportedly died from a drug overdose. This incident occurred as Singh’s family and local villagers attempted to transport his body to a protest site in Mansa, which is associated with anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota. The police intervened, alleging that the situation posed a risk to law and order.

According to reports, Singh’s family was en route to the protest site when police obstructed their path by positioning vehicles and trucks on the road. This led to tensions escalating between the police and the protesters, who accused law enforcement of using excessive force, including a lathicharge, to remove Singh’s body. Several individuals were reportedly detained during this confrontation.

Mansa Senior Superintendent of Police, Vaibhav Chaudhary, stated that the police acted to prevent potential disturbances. He clarified that Singh’s body had been taken into custody for a post-mortem examination outside the district. The SSP further noted that the police would not conduct Singh’s last rites and that any subsequent actions would require the family’s consent.

Opposition Leaders Condemn Police Actions

Leaders from various opposition parties have condemned the police’s actions, labelling them as violations of human rights. Bikram Singh Majithia, a leader of the Shiromani Akali Dal, drew parallels between the current situation and events from 1984, stating that forcibly taking a deceased person’s body from their family is a profound disrespect. In a social media post, he expressed outrage over the police’s actions, which he described as an insult to the deceased and his grieving family.

Ravneet Singh Bittu, a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party, also expressed his disapproval, characterising the police’s actions as a blatant infringement on basic human rights. He accused the state government of failing to control the drug crisis while simultaneously using force against those mourning the loss of a loved one. Bittu described the incident as shameful and called for the resignation of Chief Minister Mann.

Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar echoed these sentiments, questioning the government’s response to Singh’s death and the subsequent police actions. He remarked that the family was denied the opportunity to voice their grief and anger over the loss of a young family member due to drugs, criticising the government for prioritising the seizure of the body over addressing the family’s concerns.

Calls for Accountability and Justice

Congress leader Amarinder Singh Raja Warring labelled the police’s actions as “shameful and inhuman,” asserting that the police’s handling of the situation was unacceptable. He questioned the government’s approach to the ongoing drug crisis in Punjab and demanded accountability for the police’s treatment of Singh’s family. Warring emphasised that the authorities should focus on addressing the root causes of the drug epidemic rather than suppressing the voices of grieving families.

As the situation continues to unfold, the opposition remains vocal in its demands for justice, urging the government to take immediate action to address the drug crisis in Punjab. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, prompting calls for a thorough investigation into the police’s conduct and the broader implications of drug-related issues in the state.

The ongoing protests in Mansa reflect the community’s frustration and desperation in the face of the drug epidemic, as residents seek accountability from both the authorities and the government. The opposition’s strong response highlights the growing concern over human rights violations amid escalating tensions surrounding drug-related incidents in Punjab.

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