A disturbing incident has shaken Punjab's already fragile reputation on drug addiction, as a social activist reportedly consumed a poisonous substance in front of the Deputy Commissioner's office in Mohali. The man, identified as Jagga Singh, a resident of Namol village, is said to have taken the toxic material as a desperate act of protest against the thriving drug menace in the state.
The Congress party quickly released a video of the incident on social media, adding fuel to its ongoing criticism of the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government. Sandeep Pilot, who serves as the Congress party's polling incharge for Punjab, took to X — formerly Twitter — to highlight the tragedy. He wrote that Jagga Singh had been facing continuous threats and harassment ever since he began uploading videos online exposing the drug trade in his region.
According to reports, Singh had been actively documenting instances of drug use and trafficking in local areas, posting the footage on digital platforms to raise awareness among residents. His bold stance, however, appears to have put a target on his back. Sources suggest that individuals involved in the illicit trade felt threatened by his vocal opposition and began threatening him with dire consequences.
The incident comes at a time when the AAP government in Punjab has repeatedly claimed that the state is moving toward becoming drug-free. Ministers have held press conferences touting arrest figures and rehabilitation centres, but activists like Singh argue that the ground reality tells a very different story.
Political opponents have seized upon the tragedy to question whether the government's anti-drug drive is merely superficial. Critics point out that despite years of rhetoric about eradication, dealers continue to operate openly, and those who dare to speak out face intimidation rather than protection.
The health status of Jagga Singh remains unknown, and he has been rushed to hospital for emergency treatment. Meanwhile, protests are expected from civil society groups demanding accountability from the administration.
This case underscores the broader challenge Punjab faces — not just in combating addiction, but in ensuring that citizens who fight against it feel safe enough to do so.
