Tragic events unfolded in Punjab’s Sangrur as a man lost his life when a tractor-trolley ran over him during clashes between farmers and police. The confrontation arose in the wake of alleged detention of farmer leaders, sparking tensions a day ahead of a planned protest by 16 farmers’ collectives in Chandigarh. The demonstration aimed to seek redress for flood-induced losses.
During the clashes, a reported five police officers sustained injuries. Sangrur’s Senior Superintendent of Police, Surendra Lamba, informed PTI news agency that the confrontations erupted when police denied the farmers’ union members the ability to obstruct the Sangrur-Barnala national highway and the Badbar toll plaza. The farmers resorted to breaking through barricades using tractor-trolleys and buses.
Tragedy struck as Pritam Singh, the deceased, was caught under a tractor-trolley owned by one of the protesters, leading to grievous injuries. Despite medical intervention, he succumbed to his injuries. An inspector narrowly avoided the same fate but suffered severe injuries from the tractor-trolley.
Earlier in the day, farmers reported multiple leader detentions by Punjab Police, including Sarwan Singh Pandher of Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC), Satkar Singh Kotli from KMSC, and Bohr Singh of BKU (Behramke). Raids were also allegedly conducted on farm leaders’ residences, resulting in detentions. Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal held the AAP government responsible for the tragic incident, demanding a murder case against Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and urging action against responsible police officials.
Partap Singh Bajwa, Congress leader and Punjab Leader of Opposition, criticized the state police’s actions, stating, “Under the AAP regime, police brutality against farmers and innocent Punjab citizens has reached unprecedented levels.” Bajwa demanded accountability from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, insisting on an explanation regarding the orders leading to the police’s use of force against protesting farmers.