Harpal Singh Cheema, Punjab’s finance minister and a prominent Dalit face of the AAP, was present at Toor Banjara on Sept 6, 2026 when Gulzar Singh confronted him about rampant drug sales in the village. NEWPAR The village, part of Dirba assembly constituency in Sangrur district, has long struggled with drug trafficking that has claimed lives and shattered families. Singh’s public questioning forced him to stand up, only to be met by Cheema’s aides who allegedly shoved him aside and later summoned him to a private meeting where pressure and intimidation were reportedly exerted. NEWPAR When Singh recorded a dying declaration in a viral video naming Cheema and several local panchayat members, the ministry denied any involvement. The police, however, filed an FIR under the SC/ST Act naming the sarpanch, her husband, and three other villagers for abetment to suicide, but omitted Cheema’s name. NEWPAR Opposition parties—Congress, BJP, and Shiromani Akali Dal—labelled the FIR a cover‑up and demanded Cheema’s resignation. BJP MP Tarun Chugh accused the minister of turning a blind eye to the drug problem that has escalated over four and a half years, while Congress’s Sachin Pilot called the incident evidence that the state’s promised three‑month drug‑eradication plan had failed. NEWPAR The AAP government offered Rs 5 lakh compensation and employment for a family member, but critics argue that these gestures are mere political window dressing. The case now hinges on whether Cheema will face scrutiny in upcoming cabinet meetings, and whether the central government will intervene in Punjab’s drug‑trafficking crackdown.