Punjab: Congress worker ends life, leaves behind a voice note addressed to Navjot Sidhu

Police said Daljit Singh Happy was embroiled in a property dispute with one Pritam Singh, and the matter was under investigation by Ludhiana rural police.

Sidhu visited family of deceased. Express Photo

A Congress worker from Ludhiana’s Jangpur village allegedly died by suicide Thursday, leaving behind an audio recording addressed to the party’s newly appointed Punjab chief, Navjot Singh Sidhu. Two people have been arrested in connection with his death.

Police said Daljit Singh Happy (42) was embroiled in a property dispute with one Pritam Singh, and the matter was under investigation by Ludhiana rural police. However, on Thursday, Daljit allegedly left home in an inebriated state and later uploaded an audio clip on social media blaming some people for his situation, and demanding justice from Sidhu. After his brother found the clip on social media, he rushed to search for him. Police said Daljit was found lying unconscious at the nearby Budel village (on Raikot road) and was rushed to hospital, but could not survive.

Also Read | Revamp done, Punjab CM, Sidhu now in a battle of one-upmanship

G S Bains, DSP Dakha, said Daljit used to live with his elder brother’s family. He was not married. He had allegedly consumed a poisonous substance, which ultimately led to his death.

A senior police officer said one Pritam Singh had given his plot to Daljit for three months as the latter wanted to store some construction material there. However, later Daljit started claiming that it was his plot, following which Pritam had filed a police complaint, which is under investigation. Later, two other villagers — Mahinder Singh and Baljinder Singh — also corroborated Pritam’s claim, which left Daljit distressed.

The audio clip Daljit addressed to Sidhu purportedly says: “…I congratulate you for becoming Punjab Congress president…but I request that you should also hold the hand of Congress workers like me. My time is over but please do help my family…I have worked for Congress party since Dakha (Malkit Singh) had got ticket from Dakha. There was so much fear that no one would go out even to put up posters for Congress but we would visit villages at night to put up posters…Then I joined Youth Congress…I worked for Congress in Haryana also…I am being entangled in a false FIR…I have purchased a piece of land but those who have sold it are now claiming that this land is theirs…I am ending my life…Please help my family after I am gone. I am unmarried. I did not get married due to party works…I was always travelling because I gave my entire life to Congress party. But today this party has defeated me. Some Akalis are responsible for my death…I am naming them…Pritam Singh, Mahinder Singh, Baljinder Singh…all these people have given false statements against me…Please get justice for me if you think I have been a true Congress worker…In my next birth, I want to be a Congress man again…I am not leaving the party till death…”

DSP Bains said an FIR had been registered against Pritam Singh, Mahinder Singh and Baljinder Singh under section 306 (abetment to suicide) of IPC at Mullanpur Dakha police station. Mahinder and Baljinder have been arrested.

Tragic news of our party worker from Ludhiana district Happy Bajwa committing suicide. Have directed @DGPPunjabPolice to immediately enquire into it and to bring the culprits to book. Anyone found guilty will not be spared.

— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) July 29, 2021

In a tweet, Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh said, “Tragic news of our party worker from Ludhiana district Happy Bajwa committing suicide. Have directed DGP Punjab to immediately enquire into it and to bring the culprits to book. Anyone found guilty will not be spared.”

Navjot Singh Sidhu along with cabinet minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu visited the family of deceased and announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh on behalf of Punjab Congress for his family.

Divya Goyal

Divya Goyal is a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express, based in Ludhiana (Punjab). She is widely recognized for her human-interest storytelling and in-depth investigative reporting on social and political issues in the region. Professional Profile Experience: With over 13 years in journalism, she joined The Indian Express in 2012. She previously worked with Hindustan Times. Education: A gold medalist in English Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi. Core Beats: She covers a diverse range of subjects, including gender issues, education, the Sikh diaspora, heritage, and the legacy of the Partition. She has also reported on minority communities in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Awards and Recognition Divya has earned significant acclaim for her sensitivity toward gender and social disparities: Laadli Media Award (2020): For her investigative report "Punjab: The Invisible Drug Addicts," which exposed the gender disparity in treating women addicts. Laadli Media Award (2023): For a ground report on the struggles of two girls who had to ride a boat to reach their school in a border village of Punjab. Signature Style Divya is known for "humanizing the news." Rather than just reporting on policy, she often focuses on the individuals affected by it—such as students dealing with exam stress, farmers struggling with diversification, or families impacted by crime. Her work often bridges the gap between West (Pakistan) and East (India) Punjab, exploring shared heritage and common struggles. X (Twitter): @DivyaGoyal_ ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram