Kapurthala police said Shali’s death was likely caused by a drug overdose. Following the deaths, locals raised slogans and held a dharna in the village.

Balbir Singh Billa, who had been living alone in Raipur Araiyan, was found dead at his house by friends on Thursday morning. Hours later, Shali was found near the Tibbi Peer of the village.

Billa's neighbour, Darshan Singh, said, "Billa had been living alone after his parents and brother had died. This morning at 8:30 am, his friends came to take him to work, but he didn't open the door. A friend jumped over the wall and found his body with a syringe and a packet lying beside him. He was immediately taken to the hospital, where he was declared dead."

Resident Stephen Kala said he received information about the incident over the phone. When villagers reached the spot, Shali’s was found lying dead with a syringe near him.

DSP Bholath Karnail Singh said, "As per Shali’s parents, he died due to a drug overdose. His father, Hans Raj, said his son had been working in Mumbai and had returned to the village a few days ago. Shali’s associates-Sawan, Ajay, Dilpreet and Karan, all residents of the same village-took him from his home this morning. When he returned, he was in a state of deep intoxication. He told his parents he had consumed intoxicants. He was taken to a hospital, where he was declared dead. The four friends allegedly administered an intoxicating substance to him, which caused his death.

"Balbir Singh died due to a different cause. He was a former addict, but the exact cause of his death is not yet known. He has been cremated," the DSP added.

Notably, the deaths come a day after Manjeet Kaur-whose five sons died due to drug abuse-cremated her fifth son, Sonu, on Wednesday. On the same day, Talwandi Madho villagers identified 70 youths involved in drug use or trafficking during a joint operation with the police.

Kapurthala SSP Gaurav Tura said, "The first death, of Billa in Raipur Araiyan, occurred early and appears to be a case of natural death. He was a former drug abuser, but he had already been cremated by his family before the exact cause of death could be verified."

The SSP added, "The second case, concerning the youth Shali, appears to be a likely drug overdose. The youth went out with friends last night and consumed a narcotic substance. However, his condition deteriorated more severely than that of his friends, who also consumed the same drugs. We have registered a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder against one of his friends for allegedly administering a lethal dose. The investigation is ongoing, and more details will emerge following the post-mortem."