Fifth drug-related death rocks Bholuwala village in Faridkot, residents demand action

A 30-year-old man died of an alleged drug overdose in Bholuwala village of Faridkot on Friday evening, triggering anger and grief among the residents.

The deceased, identified as Manga Singh, a driver by profession and father of two children — a seven-year-old and a 15-day-old infant — was found lying unconscious by villagers. He was rushed to a local doctor, who declared him dead upon examination.

Manga Singh’s father, Veer Singh, alleged that drugs were freely available in the village and that his son’s addiction had become fatal due to easy access. “Drugs are sold openly here, and no one seems to stop it,” he said, demanding strict action against peddlers operating in the area.

Surjit Singh, the sarpanch of Bholuwala village, claimed that this was the fifth drug-related death in the village. “There might be a shortage of wheat flour at the local mill, but there is no shortage of drugs — they are easily available,” he alleged, expressing deep frustration over the unchecked drug trade. “Just imagine the condition of the woman who had given birth to a child two weeks ago, and now the drugs have left her a widow,” rued the sarpanch.

A police team later reached the village and began an investigation to trace the source of the drugs consumed by the deceased. Authorities have assured that appropriate action will be taken once the probe confirms the facts.