25-year-old dies after suspected 'Chitta' drug overdose in Punjab's Gurdaspur

A 25-year-old man allegedly died of a drug overdose in Punjab’s Gurdaspur on the day of Raksha Bandhan on August 28, prompting local residents and village leaders to protest against the administration over what they described as the unchecked sale of ‘Chitta’, a synthetic drug, in the area.The victim, identified as Bachittar Singh of Buddha Bala village, reportedly consumed an excessive quantity of the drug between 8 am and 9 am, following which his condition deteriorated and he died later.His family said the incident had shattered a household that was celebrating the festival with the rest of the country.The incident has also brought renewed attention to alleged drug trafficking in Buddha Bala, which local representatives claimed has emerged as a major centre for narcotics supply. Village leaders alleged that synthetic drugs and other chemicals were being sold at low prices, making them easily accessible to young people from the village and surrounding areas.Buddha Bala Sarpanch Mukhtiyar Singh, Nambardar Dalip Singh Noon Barkat, Munnan village Sarpanch Narinder Singh and Majha Kisan Sangharsh Committee Youth President Sarabjit Singh Aulakh were among those who raised the issue. They said village panchayats had passed resolutions against drugs, administered anti-drug pledges and organised night patrols, but alleged that these measures had failed to deter traffickers.According to the villagers, smugglers continue to use sugarcane fields and secluded routes to move drugs.They further alleged that despite repeated information being shared with the police, action against major suppliers remained inadequate.They claimed that cases were often registered against smaller offenders under relatively minor provisions, allowing some accused to secure bail soon after their arrest.Police officials, however, said legal action was being taken. Investigating Officer ASI Tirath Ram said the body had been taken into custody and sent to Government Hospital, Gurdaspur, for post-mortem examination.Police said the deceased was addicted to drugs and that the preliminary cause of death appeared to be an overdose.ASI Singh said the police had been conducting searches in areas identified as vulnerable to drug activity and would take action against those found involved.PUNJAB’S DRUG ABUSE PROBLEMPunjab has been grappling with a persistent drug abuse problem, with overdose deaths and allegations of easy availability of narcotics continuing to fuel public concern.The issue has also become a major political flashpoint ahead of next year's Assembly elections, with opposition parties like the Congress and the BJP repeatedly accusing the state government of failing to curb the menace.Following the latest death, village leaders have intensified their protest and called for stronger action against alleged drug traffickers.They have urged neighbouring panchayats to join the campaign against drugs, while police have maintained that action will be taken in accordance with the law.The post-mortem report is expected to provide further clarity on the exact cause of Bachittar Singh’s death, police added.- EndsInput by Bishambar BittuPublished On: Aug 29, 2026 18:27 IST