NCSC panel visits suicide victim’s family, takes stock of action by Punjab govt

Chandigarh: A team of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) on Thursday visited a village in Sangrur district and met the family of late Gulzar Singh at his residence.

The team interacted with the family and took stock of the action taken by the government. Opposition parties have been calling for registration of an abetment of suicide case against state Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and others named by suicide victim Gulzar Singh in his dying declaration over the rampant sale of drugs in his village, Toor Banjara.

In a statement, Deputy Commissioner of Sangrur, Poonamdeep Kaur, said, “During the interaction, the family expressed satisfaction with the action taken so far by the Punjab government and the authorities. The family also informed that the assistance assured by the government was being provided to them.”

She said Rs 5 lakh compensation has already been released to the family. The government has also assured employment to a family member, and this has been conveyed to the NCSC team during the meeting. She said the family also expressed satisfaction with the action taken by the police.

Four people have been arrested, while further efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining accused. A Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by an officer of Additional Director General of Police rank, is conducting an investigation into the matter, and strict action is being taken in accordance with the law.

“The NCSC team took note of the steps taken by the Punjab government and the district administration. The administration apprised the commission of the assistance extended to the family as well as the ongoing investigation and assured full cooperation with the commission in the matter,” said the Deputy Commissioner.

It was stated that the district administration remains committed to ensuring all necessary assistance to the bereaved family and facilitating the implementation of all assurances made by the government.

She said the administration would continue to extend full cooperation to the NCSC and ensure that all further action in the matter is taken strictly in accordance with law.

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