MAN CONSUMES PHENYL OUTSIDE SANGRUR DC OFFICE ALLEGES INACTION OVER DRUG TRADE

Naresh Kumar /Sangrur 

A man allegedly consumed phenyl outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office here on Sunday in an apparent attempt to end his life, claiming that he was distressed over the alleged sale of drugs and illicit liquor in his neighbourhood and police inaction on his complaints.

The man, identified as Jagseer Singh, had reached the DC office along with his friend to submit a complaint. However, the office was closed as it was Sunday.

His friend and other people present at the spot immediately took him to the civil hospital, from where doctors referred him to Rajindra Hospital in Patiala after providing first aid.

According to eyewitness Manjinder Singh, a resident of Namol village in Sunam subdivision, Jagseer had allegedly been repeatedly complaining about the sale of illicit liquor near his house. “Jagseer has video evidence of the alleged illegal liquor trade. He had informed the village sarpanch and also approached the police several times, but no concrete action was taken,” Manjinder claimed.

He further alleged that some persons involved in the alleged illegal activity later entered Jagseer’s house, damaged the gate and CCTV cameras and assaulted him and his family members.

Manjinder claimed that written complaints had been submitted to the police, but an FIR had not been registered so far. He said Jagseer was frustrated over the alleged lack of action and had come to the DC office to raise the matter. Manjinder said he was unaware that Jagseer was carrying a bottle of phenyl. When their attention was diverted, Jagseer allegedly consumed the liquid. The bottle was immediately taken away from him, he added. Jagseer was rushed to the Sangrur Civil Hospital, where doctors provided initial treatment before referring him to Rajindra Hospital, Patiala.

Civil Hospital doctor Iqbal said Jagseer had consumed a poisonous substance and was experiencing breathing difficulty. He was also unable to speak properly, following which first aid was administered and he was referred to Patiala after consultation with senior officials.

Sangrur City police station SHO Manpreet Singh said the police were conducting a detailed investigation into the matter and appropriate legal action would be taken on the basis of the findings. The allegations regarding the alleged drug or illicit liquor trade and police inaction could not be independently verified immediately.