Youth’s fatal overdose in Amritsar sparks outrage, demands for stronger action against drugs

A youth’s fatal overdose has sparked outrage in Amritsar, despite the state government’s claims of waging a war on drugs. The victim, Jatinder Singh, a resident of the Dhapai area, was a hardworking labourer who succumbed to drug addiction, spending all his earnings on substances. His family, including his father Jagir Singh and brother Kashmir Singh, are now demanding stronger action from the government to eradicate drug abuse in the area.

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Jatinder’s struggle with addiction had severe consequences, forcing his children to drop out of school due to financial difficulties. The family and local residents are calling upon the government to dismantle the drug network operating in the state, stressing that unless stringent measures are taken, more families will lose loved ones to addiction.

Interestingly, this incident is not an isolated one. Just a few days ago, on March 27, two people, including a Jatinder Singh from Beas village, died of drug overdose in Amritsar district. The authorities have registered an FIR under Section 105 of the BNS at the Islamabad police station and are investigating the matter, but the family has refused to file a complaint, alleging that the authorities only offer assurances but fail to take concrete action against drug suppliers.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) Vishaljeet Singh has assured that the police are committed to eradicating drugs from society, but the grieving family and local residents remain sceptical, urging immediate action to prevent more tragedies.