20 Aug 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : At least seven people have allegedly died due to drug consumption across Punjab’s Malwa region in the past week, raising fresh concerns over the continuing drug crisis in Bathinda, Mansa, Fazilka and Ferozepur districts.
Three Suspected Overdose Deaths in Fazilka
Fazilka has reported three suspected drug-overdose deaths within three days.
Pawan Kumar, 25, of Danewala Satkosi village in Abohar allegedly died on August 18. On the same day, Karanjit Singh, 20, of Tahliwala Bodla village also allegedly died following a drug overdose. Police registered a case against two people after a complaint from Karanjit’s family and arrested one person.
Earlier, Sukhjinder Singh alias Kala, 42, of Panjawa village allegedly died of a suspected overdose on August 17.
Two Young Men Found Dead in Bathinda
In Bathinda district, two young men were found dead at a secluded location in Bir Talab Basti on August 14.
They were identified as Gurvinder Singh, 28, of Jaisinghwala village and Kuldeep Singh, 25, of Jodhpur Romana village. Syringes were reportedly found stuck in their arms, leading to suspicion of drug overdose.
16-Year-Old Among Those Who Died
In Mansa district, 16-year-old Amrik Singh, a daily wager from Sardulgarh, allegedly died of a drug overdose on August 11.
His sister, Sonu Kaur, said the family had been devastated by his death and called for strict action against drug suppliers.
Former Kabaddi Player Also Dies
In Ferozepur, 45-year-old former international-level kabaddi player Gurjeet Singh of Toot village died while undergoing treatment at Guru Gobind Singh Government Medical College and Hospital in Faridkot on August 11.
He had reportedly been battling drug addiction.
Police Say Anti-Drug Operations Continue
A senior police officer said authorities have been registering cases, conducting search operations and recovering drugs.
Police have also identified drug hotspots and said corrective measures are being taken as part of the ongoing “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign.
Residents Demand Stronger Action
While police have described the ongoing campaign as successful, some residents have questioned whether current measures are sufficient.
They have called for more concrete, data-driven action to tackle drug availability and prevent further deaths in affected communities.
Malwa Drug Crisis Raises Fresh Questions
The cluster of suspected overdose deaths within a single week has once again highlighted the scale of Punjab’s drug problem.
The incidents span different age groups and backgrounds, including a teenager, young adults and a former sportsperson, underscoring the continuing impact of addiction on families and communities.
What Needs Attention
The latest deaths have renewed the focus on:
- Action against drug suppliers and trafficking networks.
- Identification of local drug hotspots.
- Easier access to de-addiction and rehabilitation services.
- Early intervention for people struggling with addiction.
- Greater community participation in prevention efforts.
- Better tracking of suspected overdose deaths.