2 days after minor’s death due to ‘forced drug dose’, woman arrested

Fazilka: The Punjab State Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu notice of the death of a 16-year-old boy in Fazilka district, whose family alleged that local youths forcibly administered drugs to him.The commission, comprising chairperson Justice Sant Parkash (retd), member Justice Gurbir Singh (retd) and member Jitender Singh Shunty, has sought a report from the Fazilka senior superintendent of police by July 9.The victim was allegedly administered a drug injection by three youths on the night of May 12, according to his family. He was found dead in fields near the village the next morning.The incident had triggered protests on Wednesday, with family members and villagers blocking the Fazilka-Ferozepur highway and demanding strict action against the accused.Following a complaint by the victim's father, Fazilka Sadar police registered a case under sections 103(1) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against Palo Bai and sons Ajay Singh, Vikram Singh alias Vicky and Gagandeep Singh.Sub-inspector Hardev Singh said Palo Bai had been arrested while raids were underway to nab the remaining accused. He said the family had been accused of involvement in the drug trade.