Sangrur Poison Incident: Sachin Pilot targets Punjab Govt over drug menace
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, September 21, 2026: Congress leader and party in-charge for Punjab Sachin Pilot has criticised the Punjab government over the incident involving Sangrur resident Jagseer Singh alias Jagga, who allegedly consumed a poisonous substance outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office after raising concerns over the alleged sale of drugs in his village.
Jagga Singh, a resident of Namol village in Sangrur, was initially taken to a government hospital in Sangrur and later referred to Rajindra Hospital, Patiala, for treatment. According to reports, he had been posting videos on social media about the alleged availability of drugs in his village and claimed that he faced threats and harassment after doing so.
Reacting to the incident, Pilot alleged that people who raise their voice against drugs in Punjab are facing pressure and mistreatment.
He questioned the accountability of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, saying the incident raised questions about the safety of people speaking out against drugs.
“If someone raises their voice against drugs, they face such attacks,” Pilot said, adding that he believed the government could go to any extent to suppress and conceal such voices.
Pilot also alleged that there were “two sets of laws” in the country — one for ministers and another for ordinary citizens — and said such a situation could not continue.
Pilot targets AAP over drug promise
Pilot also attacked the AAP government over its earlier promise to eliminate the drug menace in Punjab within three months of coming to power.
He alleged that the government had been “completely exposed” on the issue and claimed that it was now “on the back foot” over the drug situation in the state.
Pilot further said he sensed a demand for political change in Punjab and claimed that “change will happen.”
His remarks are part of the Congress’s political criticism of the Punjab government and should be viewed in that context.
Police give different account of Jagga Singh
Meanwhile, the incident has taken another turn after Sangrur police disclosed details about criminal cases registered against Jagga Singh.
According to Sangrur Senior Superintendent of Police Ravjyot Grewal, nine First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered against him, with four cases resulting in convictions. Police said one of the cases was registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, while another case was registered earlier this year.
The AAP has also cited the police record while responding to criticism over the incident. AAP General Secretary Baltej Pannu said Jagga was a drug addict and that police were investigating who had allegedly instigated him. These are claims by the ruling party and have not been independently established as the reason for the incident.
Jagga Singh had alleged that he was threatened and harassed after posting videos concerning the alleged sale of drugs in his village. Reports also said he had accused local functionaries of assault and claimed that he had approached the police.
The allegations regarding threats, assault, police inaction and the circumstances that led to him consuming the poisonous substance remain subject to investigation.
The incident has nevertheless triggered a fresh political confrontation in Punjab over the government’s handling of the drug menace, with opposition parties questioning the administration while the ruling AAP has highlighted the police record against Jagga Singh.