The drug menace in Punjab was under the spotlight on Tuesday (September 8, 2026) with the Opposition taking up in a big way the alleged death of a villager who said in a purported video that the supply of 'chitta' continued unabated and questioned Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema.

Gulzar Singh, a 47-year-old from Dirba in Sangrur district, died on Monday (September 7) night. His family said he had questioned Mr. Cheema about the supply of drugs in the area during an event in Dirba on September 6.

His nephew Karanvir Singh said Gulzar Singh was taken outside the venue by some local villagers after he questioned Mr. Cheema. The daily wager was also pressured by locals to seek an apology and consumed poison, Mr. Karanvir said, adding, "We want justice".

As the purported video of his last moments went viral, Opposition parties cornered the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government and demanded a probe.

Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia demanded justice for Gulzar Singh.

"Gulzar Singh of Dirba merely asked Harpal Cheema a question about the drug menace, and he was allegedly pushed to the point of taking his own life," he alleged.

"He had questioned Harpal Cheema at a public gathering about his son's drug addiction and asked what was being done to eradicate drugs. After this, he was allegedly pushed to such a state that he was forced to consume Celphos," said Mr. Majithia, naming a pesticide.

Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring said he was deeply saddened by this incident.

“A father, watching his family being destroyed as his son battled drug addiction, raised his voice and questioned @HarpalCheemaMLA. He was subjected to such immense harassment and pressure..." Mr. Warring said in a post on X.

Gulzar questioned Cheema about the availability of drugs in his area in the video.

"Sarpanch will be responsible for my death. I had questioned about 'chitta' (an umbrella term for synthetic drugs). My son takes it. Everything is sold," Gulzar is heard saying.

"Chitta band nahi hoya (Supply of chitta has not stopped)," he said.

Gulzar was initially taken to the Civil Hospital in Sangrur and then to the Rajindra Hospital in Patiala. He was again taken to a hospital in Sangrur and finally shifted to a private hospital in Ludhiana where he died on Monday (September 7) night.