Hansi, Aug 15 (PTI): Police caned several protesters in Hansi on Saturday after they allegedly resorted to stone-pelting while being stopped on their way to the state-level Independence Day function to demand the arrest of the main accused in the murder of a dairy operator.
Superintendent of Police Hansi, Vinod Kumar, was injured when a stone hit his hand in the ensuing clash; other police officials, including a DSP and an inspector, were also bruised, officials said.
The protesters, comprising activists from farmers’ bodies and Khap representatives, called for a protest against Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini’s Independence Day programme to demand the arrest of all the accused in the murder of dairy operator Jeevan Kundu.
Jeevan was allegedly murdered on August 4.
While nine suspects have been arrested, the protesters are demanding the arrest of the alleged main accused, Ramesh Sharma, who is absconding.
Police made heavy security arrangements at many places in Hansi following the protest call, police said.
According to police, farmers, who arrived on tractors and other vehicles, clashed with police at two to three locations when authorities prevented them from heading towards the event at the Government College ground in Hansi. Police resorted to a lathi-charge to disperse protesters, who also allegedly pelted stones.
Police said after sustaining injury, Kumar covered his hand with a handkerchief to stop bleeding.
Several individuals, including farmer leader Suresh Kauth, were taken into custody, while others were placed under house arrest.
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) condemned the police administration’s use of force to thwart the protest, which was called to demand the arrest of Jeevan’s killers and justice for his family. The SKM also alleged that numerous farmers, labourers, and activists were detained at the Badopatti toll plaza.
In a statement, SKM spokesperson Shraddhanand Rajli alleged that police manhandled and lathi-charged protesters at several locations and arrested many of their associates. “It is unfortunate that people demanding justice through democratic means are being arrested and subjected to lathi-charge,” it said.
The murder occurred on the morning of August 4 when some people allegedly attacked Jeevan, a dairy operator, in Surya Nagar in Hisar district. Jeevan was on his way to dispose of dung, towing a trolley with his motorcycle, when a group of about 10-12 youths from the neighbourhood surrounded him. They beat him up with sticks and clubs, leaving him unconscious, police said.
His family rushed the critically injured Jeevan to a nearby hospital, where he passed away during treatment. His family rushed the critically injured Jeevan to a nearby hospital, where he died during treatment. Hisar Police announced a reward of Rs 50,000 to help arrest the absconding accused.