Mehatpur sarpanch attacked by drug peddlers, locals allege police inaction

In a shocking incident that has intensified concerns over the drug menace in Punjab's rural belt, Mehatpur village Sarpanch and Jamhoori Kisan Sabha leader Mahinder Singh was brutally attacked by alleged drug peddlers, leaving him critically injured.

The assault, which villagers claim was a direct consequence of his persistent complaints against "chitta" (synthetic drugs) trafficking in the area, has triggered widespread outrage and protests outside the Mehatpur police station.

The incident occurred when Singh was on his way to his fields, located approximately 1.5 kilometres from his residence, accompanied by his wife. According to family members and local residents, a group of four to five men, who were allegedly in wait at the site, attacked him with iron rods and sharp weapons. The assailants reportedly fled the scene after villagers rushed in upon hearing cries for help, leaving Singh grievously injured.

Singh sustained severe head injuries, including a fractured skull and both his legs were reportedly broken in the attack. He was initially rushed to a local facility and later referred to a hospital in Jalandhar, where he remains admitted in critical condition.

According to farmer leader Major Singh, the Sarpanch had approached the Station House Officer (SHO) and the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) nearly 50 times, urging them to take strict action against drug peddlers operating openly in the village. "He pleaded with the authorities to save the village from drugs as youth were dying. But no concrete action was taken." Major Singh alleged while addressing protesters gathered outside the police station. He further accused the police of tipping off the very drug peddlers about Singh's complaints, thereby exposing him to retaliation. "Instead of acting against the criminals, they revealed his name, which escalated hostility. This attack is the result," he claimed.

The protestors also expressed anger over what they described as an attempt by the police to initially treat the case as a robbery. Singh's brother, Karnail Singh, dismissed the possibility of loot, arguing that the attackers had reached the spot well in advance and lay in ambush. "A robber does not sit and wait for half an hour before striking. They came with the clear intention to kill him," he said, adding that the family has identified the assailants and demands immediate arrests.

Farmer organisations, including the Jamhoori Kisan Sabha and leaders associated with RMPI, have announced a joint strategy meeting and warned of intensified agitation if the accused are not arrested promptly.

Demonstrators raised slogans against the Punjab government and accused the police of citing staff shortages while allowing major traffickers to function unchecked.

The assault has left village gripped by fear and anger, with residents questioning the safety of public representatives who take a stand against organised crime. Police officials have yet to issue a detailed statement regarding the allegations.