Chandigarh, 09 May (H.S.) A 20-year-old boxing player died due to a suspected drug overdose in Punjab’s Mansa district, raising fresh concerns over the growing drug menace in the state. The incident comes even as the Punjab government continues its anti-drug campaign, “Yudh Nashian Virudh” (War Against Drugs).

According to reports, the deceased, Navdeep Singh, had represented the state and participated in several national-level boxing competitions, winning multiple medals. His sudden death has left his family and local residents in shock. Navdeep’s father, Jaspal Singh, said his son was the only brother of two sisters. He shared that he worked as a labourer to support Navdeep’s boxing career, hoping that his son would one day become successful and support the family.

He alleged that Navdeep died on Friday evening near Arya School during Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s “Shukrana Yatra” in Mansa. The grieving family has demanded strict action against drug peddlers responsible for ruining young lives.

The incident has once again raised serious questions over the easy availability of drugs in the region.

Parminder Singh, head of the Anti-Drug Task Force, alleged that drugs are being sold openly in Mansa. He claimed that police often take action against drug addicts while failing to crack down effectively on major drug traffickers. Meanwhile, Gurtej Singh, SHO of City-2 police station, said a case has been registered against unidentified persons based on the family’s statement, and further investigation is underway.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH