Drug Overdose Death in Punjab: Five Booked for Culpable Homicide
A 32-year-old man from Harike Kalan village in Muktsar district allegedly died of a drug overdose late Thursday evening. The victim, identified as Manpreet Singh, was found dead at the residence of Krishan Singh, a local accused of drug peddling by the community.
Protest and Demand for Justice
The bereaved family members, supported by local residents, staged a protest outside Krishan Singh's house, demanding strict action against the accused. They called for the accused to be charged with murder, although the police have registered a case under sections related to culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
Manpreet Singh, a graduate with a diploma in Nursery Teacher Training, was unemployed and worked as a labourer. Villagers alleged that the double-storey house where Manpreet was found dead was built with drug money and demanded its demolition.
Brother's Account of the Incident
Jagmeet Singh, the victim's elder brother, said he received a call from his wife around 7:45 pm informing him that Manpreet was found unconscious at Krishan Singh's residence. He rushed to the spot and found his brother lying on the floor with a syringe injected into his left arm. Jagmeet named Krishan Singh's wife Lakhbir Kaur, sons Jashandeep Singh and Gagandeep Singh, as well as Ravdeep Singh and Honey Singh from the village, holding them responsible for the death.
Jagmeet and the villagers vowed not to move the body from Krishan Singh's house until justice is served.
Police Action and Investigation
Muktsar SSP Abhimanyu Rana confirmed that a case under Sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 190 (unlawful assembly) of the BNS has been registered against five individuals. Two of the accused, Honey Singh and Lakhbir Kaur, have been arrested. Efforts are underway to arrest the remaining suspects.
The SSP added that allegations regarding the family accumulating wealth through illegal means are being investigated.
Similar Incident in Mansa District
A few weeks ago, residents of Nangal Kalan village in Mansa district marched towards the house of Bawa Singh alias Moongi, demanding its demolition. The villagers accused Bawa Singh and his family of being responsible for the death of Amritpal Singh, who allegedly died of a drug overdose on March 27.
