New Delhi, Sep 8 (IANS) The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has issued a notice to the Punjab government in connection with the death of Gulzar Singh, a resident of Sangrur district, and sought a report within five days, an official said on Tuesday.
According to the complaint received by the Commission, Gulzar Singh had raised questions before the Finance Minister of Punjab regarding the problem of narcotic substances in the state, the official said in a statement.
In a video circulated on social media before his death, he reportedly claimed that he had consumed poison due to fear of the Minister and also levelled serious allegations against certain members of the village panchayat, the statement said.
Exercising the powers conferred upon it under Article 338 of the Constitution of India, the Commission ordered an inquiry into the matter.
The notices have been issued to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Government of Punjab, directing them to submit the facts of the case and a report on the action taken regarding the allegations within five days of receipt of the notice.
The Commission initiated action on a complaint filed by Sheetal Angural, former MLA and State President, BJP SC Morcha, Punjab.
NCSC Chairman Kishor Makwana described the matter as extremely serious and sensitive.
He said that allegations made against a Minister and certain members of the village panchayat by name in a video recorded before the death warranted an impartial, independent and high-level inquiry.
Makwana said that a detailed report has been sought from the Punjab government. He also announced that he will visit Sangrur on September 10 to examine the matter and ascertain the veracity of the allegations.
He added that the Commission remains committed to ensuring justice for the family of the deceased and safeguarding the constitutional rights of members of the Scheduled Castes.
–IANS
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