Ashok Kaura
PHAGWARA: In a tragic development, the fifth son of a family from Sultanpur Lodhi in Kapurthala district passed away today during treatment at a hospital in Amritsar, marking the latest loss in a family that has witnessed multiple deaths over the past several years. The deceased, who had been battling serious health complications, was referred from Civil Hospital Kapurthala to Amritsar after his condition deteriorated, where he breathed his last during treatment. Medical reports have indicated liver cirrhosis as the cause of death.
Providing details of the case, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gaurav Toora stated that the deaths in the family occurred over a span of more than eight years and were attributed to different causes. According to police records, one of the sons had died approximately eight years ago due to a suspected drug overdose. Another son lost his life around seven years ago due to burn injuries. A third son died during the same period while lodged in jail and had criminal cases registered against him, including under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The fourth son passed away about two years ago due to liver failure, reportedly linked to chronic alcohol consumption.
The fifth son, who died today, had a history of drug use and was previously booked under the NDPS Act. He was arrested in 2023 with narcotic substances and was later convicted by a court on November 29, 2025. SSP Toora stated that he had been undergoing treatment at an Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment (OOAT) Centre and had received medication as recently as March 30. Due to worsening health, he was referred to Amritsar for specialized care, where he succumbed.
Highlighting enforcement efforts, SSP Gaurav Toora said Kapurthala Police has intensified its campaign against drug trafficking and abuse.
He further stated that around 605 individuals have availed treatment and sought legal immunity under Section 64A of the NDPS Act. In a significant financial crackdown, properties worth over ₹1.3 crore have been frozen under Section 68F of the Act in the past month alone.
The SSP also highlighted the importance of public participation, noting that 629 FIRs and 753 arrests have been made based on inputs received through the Safe Punjab Helpline. Reiterating the department’s commitment, Gaurav Toora said that Kapurthala Police continues to follow a zero-tolerance policy against drug peddling and urged citizens to cooperate with authorities while encouraging those struggling with addiction to seek timely treatment and rehabilitation.
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