Chandigarh, Oct. 29 -- Protests over bodies in suspected drug-related deaths have emerged as a major flashpoint in Punjab, months ahead of the assembly elections, with families and activists refusing cremation to press for justice, accountability and compensation.

The growing trend has become a law-and-order challenge for the Bhagwant Mann government, with opposition leaders seizing the opportunity to target the ruling dispensation. The situation is particularly tense in Mansa and Sangrur districts, where three deaths linked to drugs or questioning drug sales have triggered protests, allegations of police excesses and a political blame game.

Protest over Jhota's murder

In Mansa, the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota t...