Dhuri Detention Tragedy Highlights Alleged Abuse of Power in Punjab

The recent death of a young man in Dhuri’s police lock‑up has intensified accusations against Punjab’s ruling party. Sukhbir Badal, senior Akali Dal figure, used the incident to charge Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann with exploiting his “green pen” for personal enrichment.

Badal recounted how the youth, identified as Chamakur Singh, was allegedly subjected to severe mistreatment by law‑enforcement officials, prompting him to ingest a poisonous substance while in custody. The tragedy, Badal argued, underscores a broader climate of intimidation and state‑sanctioned abuse.

He also reminded audiences of earlier assaults in Sheron and Tour Banjara, where two residents faced police harassment after publicly opposing the chief minister and questioning Finance Minister Harpal Cheema about unrestricted narcotics trade. According to Badal, these cases illustrate a pattern of silencing criticism through force.

The chief minister’s narrative that the green pen represents a revolutionary tool for public welfare was dismissed as a cover for suppressing dissent and looting state resources. Badal accused Mann of staging hollow “public meet” events, delivering false statements while under the influence, and granting clean‑chits to drug mafias and alleged rapists.

Looking ahead, Badal promised that his party, if elected, will enact robust legislation targeting gang activities and drug trafficking, with provisions for asset seizure and a minimum twenty‑year jail term for perpetrators.