Jalandhar: Protests after Sarpanch’s death, Munshi suspended, SHO transferred

Punjab: A day after highlighting two “drug-related” deaths in Mehatpur, Jalandhar (Rural) police on Monday suspended Mehatpur police station clerk Sukhbir Singh and transferred SHO Pankaj Kumar. The Jalandhar district administration also announced a compensation of ₹5 lakh, a job for a family member in the Deputy Commissioner’s office, and the naming of a playground after Mahinder Singh, the village sarpanch of Boote Diyan Channan. Mahinder Singh, who spoke out against drug dealers in the area, was attacked by armed assailants a few days ago. He suffered serious injuries and died on March 6. Following his death, an indefinite sit-in protest began outside the Mehatpur police station. The protest, which continued for a third day, was called off on Monday after the administration assured action and compensation. Nakodar SDM Simranjit Singh said that the villagers’ demands for compensation of ₹5 lakh, a job for the sarpanch’s son, and the naming of a playground have been approved as per the villagers’ demands. A playground in Baghela village will be named “Shaheed Mahinder Singh Sarpanch Boote Diyan Channan Yadgari Ground.”
Meanwhile, amid criticism over the deaths in Mehatpur, police stated that Vansh, a former kabaddi player from Udhowal village, died due to “deterioration of health,” not a drug overdose. SSP Harvinder Singh Virk said Vansh had previously been addicted to drugs and an FIR was registered against him last year in Mehatpur under sections 27, 61, and 85 of the NDPS Act. He underwent de-addiction treatment and had quit drugs. “After returning home, he was leading a normal life but unfortunately, his health suddenly deteriorated and he died,” the SSP said, adding that the exact cause of death was unknown because the family had not ordered a post-mortem. Vansh was found dead on Baloki Kheda Road on Saturday. However, Vansh’s father, Shamsher Singh, said his son had no serious health problems other than drug addiction. He said, “My son fell victim to drugs. I just appeal to the police to stop the drug menace so that more young people don’t lose their lives.” Farmer leader Ram Singh, who was among the protesters protesting Mahinder Singh’s death, said, “A few days before Mahinder’s death, the clerk had revealed the sarpanch’s identity as an informant, putting his life in danger.”