Jagga, a 23‑year‑old from Sangrur, marched to the deputy commissioner’s office on a damp Tuesday, holding a sign that read 'End Drug Sales in My Village'. His protest stalled after the local administration ignored his plea, prompting him to swallow a bitter liquid that local doctors later described as a toxic antidote. He was rushed to the district hospital, where he spent 36 hours in intensive care before stabilising.
Police later confirmed that Jagga now faces nine criminal charges, including four under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act for possession and trafficking, and five for assault and unlawful assembly. The announcement marked the first NDPS‑related case filed against him this year.
In a press conference, Superintendent of Police Sandeep Chandra warned that the cases were 'evidence of Jagga’s involvement in drug‑related activities'. The statement has thrown a political wrench into the AAP’s campaign, with Congress’ Sachin Pilot calling it proof of the government’s 'pressure on dissent'. BJP leader Parminder Brar linked Jagga’s case to two similar incidents in the last month, further stoking the debate.
Chief minister Bhagwant Mann defended the state’s 87% conviction rate, but the opposition is poised to use the case to question the government’s anti‑drug record before the elections. The first court hearing is slated for early April, when the charges will be formally presented to a magistrate.