A 26-year-old man allegedly died by suicide in Malke village of Moga district after local drug peddlers refused to supply him with heroin because he lacked money. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community.
Victim Identified
The deceased has been identified as Labh Heera Singh, a resident of Malke village. He had been married only two months ago. According to his brother, Boota Singh, Labh Heera was previously addicted to heroin but had successfully undergone treatment at a rehabilitation centre and quit the habit.
Re-addiction Allegations
A local couple living in the neighbourhood—identified as Sukhchain Singh and his wife Seema Kaur—allegedly lured Labh Heera by providing free drugs, leading to his re-addiction. Family members stated that the couple routinely supplied drugs free of cost to local youths initially, trapping them in addiction, and later demanded hefty sums once they became dependent. Local residents had previously complained about the couple, leading to their arrest, but they allegedly resumed their illegal trade after being released on bail four months later.
The Tragic Incident
The tragedy unfolded on Sunday when Labh Heera went to the accused couple’s house to purchase heroin. Since he did not have cash, the dealers reportedly refused to give him the drug. They allegedly demanded that he either bring money from his house or steal his family’s LCD television set in exchange for the dose. Distressed and suffering from severe withdrawal and mental agony over the refusal, Labh Heera returned home and hanged himself in the bathroom, alleged his brother.
Police Response
Upon receiving information about the incident, the Samalsar police reached the spot, took custody of the body, and sent it to the Civil Hospital in Moga for a post-mortem examination. Baghapurana DSP Jaswinder Singh Khaira confirmed that a case has been registered against Sukhchain Singh and Seema Kaur under relevant sections based on the statement of the deceased’s brother, Gurpreet Singh. DSP Khaira added that police teams are currently conducting raids to apprehend the absconding accused couple.
This incident highlights the severe consequences of drug addiction and the alleged predatory practices of local drug peddlers, who exploit vulnerable individuals for profit. The community remains in mourning, and authorities are under pressure to curb the drug menace in the region.
