A man in Punjab’s Sangrur allegedly consumed a poisonous substance outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office after claiming that authorities had failed to act against the alleged sale of drugs in his village.

Jagseer Singh, also known as Jagga, a resident of Namol village, was taken to the Sangrur government hospital and later referred to Rajindra Hospital in Patiala for further treatment. His friend Manjinder Singh alleged that Jagseer had earlier raised the issue of drug sales and faced threats and an assault after posting videos about it.

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The allegations have not been independently established. Police are expected to record Jagseer’s statement after doctors clear him for questioning.

The incident has since triggered a political confrontation in Punjab, with Congress and BJP leaders questioning the Aam Aadmi Party government’s handling of the state’s drug problem.

What happened outside the Sangrur DC office?

Jagseer allegedly consumed a poisonous substance outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Sangrur while raising concerns about alleged drug sales in Namol.

Jagseer alleged that drugs were being sold in his village and that the village sarpanch and administration had been informed about the issue several times, but that no effective action followed.

His friend Manjinder Singh told reporters that Jagseer had videos that allegedly showed people selling “chitta”, a term commonly used in Punjab for illicit drugs. Manjinder also alleged that Jagseer had been attacked after raising the issue.

Jagseer had earlier alleged that he and his family were threatened after he posted a video about drugs. The report said police had marked an investigation into the matter.

What did doctors say about the substance?

Jagseer was first taken to the Sangrur government hospital before being referred to Rajindra Hospital in Patiala.

According to the account cited by NDTV, Dr Iqbalpreet Singh said Jagseer had consumed a poisonous substance, received first aid and was referred for further treatment. The doctor identified the substance as “Farnel”.

His friend, however, said Jagseer had told him that he had consumed Sulphas. The differing accounts have not been independently reconciled.

Sangrur City SHO Manpreet Singh reached the spot but declined to comment, saying Jagseer was undergoing treatment and further details could be shared later.

Why has the incident triggered a political row?

The incident comes amid an intensifying political debate over Punjab’s drug problem.

Congress Punjab in-charge Sachin Pilot criticised the AAP government, alleging that people who speak out against drugs face pressure and harassment. Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa also targeted the government, questioning its claims of a “Drug-Free Punjab”. These are political allegations and have not been independently established in Jagseer’s case.

BJP leader and former Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu also criticised the AAP government, alleging that people raising their voices against drugs were being threatened instead of receiving protection.

Bittu linked Jagseer’s case to other recent incidents in Sangrur and questioned the government’s response to complaints about the alleged drug trade.

What is the police position?

Police have not publicly confirmed the allegations of drug sales, assault or administrative inaction made by Jagseer and his associates.

The Tribune reported that SSP Ravjot Kaur Grewal said police would record Jagseer’s statement once doctors gave clearance. She also said Jagseer had previously threatened suicide and that a daily diary report had been registered at the time.

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The police investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the allegations made by Jagseer and his family.

The latest case has added to an already heated political debate over Punjab’s drug crisis. Earlier this month, another Sangrur resident, Gulzar Singh, died after allegedly consuming poison following claims of harassment linked to his raising concerns about drugs. The National Commission for Scheduled Castes has since issued a notice to the Punjab government seeking a report on that case.