Agencies
New Delhi, October 15:
The body of a young man – with the left wrist severed and a pool of blood on the ground – was found tied to an overturned police barricade at the farmers’ protest site on the Singhu border this morning.
“At about 5 am today, a body was found hanging with hands, legs chopped (off) at the spot where farmers’ protest is underway (in Kundli, Sonipat). No info on who is responsible (and) FIR lodged against an unknown person. Viral video is a matter of probe… rumours will linger,” Deputy Superintendent of Police Hansraj was quoted by news agency ANI.
Initial reports say Nihangs – a ‘warrior’ Sikh group – are being blamed for the brutal and sickening murder, which took place in Kundli in Haryana’s Sonipat district.
A video has emerged showing a group of Nihangs standing over the man – after his wrist has been cut off and he lies bleeding on the ground, his eyes glazed over in shock and pain.
The Nihangs, some of whom are carrying spears and stand surrounding his body, can be heard demanding the man tell them his name and native village. None of the men in the video make any move to help the man or attend to the horrific wound.
Another video shows the man’s body strung upside down with a rope – his left hand covered in blood – and a pool of blood on the floor.
Reports say the Nihangs beat the young man – who has yet to be identified – to death for allegedly desecrating the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikhs’ holy book
They reportedly beat him to death, hung the body on the police barricade and then cut off the wrist.
Sonipat police have taken the body to the Civil Hospital.
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha, the umbrella body of farmers that is among those spearheading the protest will meet at noon to discuss this incident and issue a statement.
Last year there was another incident involving Nihangs – a Punjab cop had his hand chopped off with a sword in Patiala after he asked them to show them ‘movement passes’ during the Covid lockdown.
Assistant Sub-Inspector Harjeet Singh recovered after extensive surgical procedures and has since been promoted. Three other cops who sustained injuries were awarded medals.
Farmers have gathered at Singhu (on the border with Delhi) for over a year now to protest the centre’s new farm laws; several farmer camps have been set up on the border over the past months.
Haryana Chief Minister ML Khattar was due to visit Sonipat this week to attend a public event.
However, after sustained protests from farmers (who have made it clear they will oppose any public appearance by any member of the ruling BJP), Mr Khattar withdrew and sent a replacement.
Farmers’ protests in Haryana have made major headlines since the agitation began, with violent clashes between protesters and police frequent. Scenes of encamped forces on both sides – divided by barricades, dug up roads and other materials used to block progress have been widely shared.
Tensions escalated in August when a top Karnal official was caught on camera ordering police to “crack their (farmers’) heads”. This was during a lathi charge that saw 10 farmers injured.
The official – Ayush Sinha – was removed from his post and sent on leave, and a probe was ordered.
