PHAGWARA: A 25-year-old man, son of the sitting sarpanch of Masita village in Sultanpur Lodhi subdivision, was found dead under mysterious circumstances late last night. Preliminary investigation suggests the possibility of a drug overdose, though police have yet to confirm the cause officially.
The deceased has been identified as Sukhjinder Singh, the only son of Harmesh Singh Gora, the sarpanch of Masita village. According to villagers, Sukhjinder’s body was found near the village cremation ground late on Sunday night. Police were informed immediately and have sent the body for post-mortem examination.
Family sources said Sukhjinder had been struggling with drug addiction for some time. His mother had passed away during the Covid pandemic. Villagers recalled that the panchayat had recently sent him to a de-addiction camp in an effort to help him recover.
Locals expressed deep grief over the death and anger over the easy availability of drugs in the region. Several residents alleged that despite repeated complaints, drug trafficking continues unchecked in the area.
Sarpanch Harmesh Singh Gora had reportedly alerted the police multiple times about drug peddlers operating in the vicinity, leading to a few arrests in the past. However, villagers claimed that many of those arrested were later released and resumed illegal activities.
Police have initiated an investigation into the matter. The exact cause of death will be determined after the post-mortem report is received.