A 22-year-old youth was found dead under mysterious circumstances in a park in Amloh town, Fatehgarh Sahib district, on Tuesday morning. The deceased has been identified as Gurpreet Singh, a resident of the same locality.
Discovery of the Body
The body was discovered by local residents who noticed an unconscious person lying near a bench in the park. Upon closer inspection, they realized the youth was not breathing and immediately informed the police. A team from the Amloh police station rushed to the spot and cordoned off the area.
Evidence of Drug Abuse
Police officials revealed that empty syringes and a small packet containing a white powder were found near the body. The substance is suspected to be heroin. The youth's family members claimed that he had been battling drug addiction for the past few years and had undergone rehabilitation multiple times.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Fatehgarh Sahib, Dr. Ravjot Grewal, confirmed that the body has been sent to the civil hospital for post-mortem examination. The reports will determine the exact cause of death. Initial investigations point towards a drug overdose, but no conclusive statement can be made until the autopsy results arrive.
Family's Anguish
The deceased's father, a daily wage laborer, expressed grief and anger over the incident. He alleged that despite several complaints to the police about local drug peddlers, no action was taken. He demanded strict action against those responsible for supplying drugs to youngsters.
The police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Efforts are underway to identify the source of the drugs.
Rising Drug Menace in Punjab
This incident highlights the growing drug abuse problem in Punjab, particularly among the youth. According to a recent survey, a significant percentage of young people in the state are addicted to some form of narcotics. The government has launched several initiatives to combat the issue, including rehabilitation centers and awareness campaigns. However, the menace persists.
The police have urged the public to provide any information regarding drug peddlers in the area. They have also assured that strict action will be taken against those involved in the illegal drug trade.
Meanwhile, the body has been handed over to the family after the post-mortem. The last rites were performed later in the day amidst emotional scenes.
