Farmers clash with police in Punjab’s Nabha, woman DSP alleges manhandling

Tensions rose in Nabha on Monday as a scuffle broke out between protesting farmers and police officials outside the office of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Mandeep Kaur Cheema. The protest was related to the theft of tractor-trolleys from the Shambhu border, and both sides gave conflicting accounts of the incident. Several farmers were reportedly injured, while the DSP alleged she was manhandled by the protesters.

The farmers had gathered for a sit-in, demanding strict police action in the case of tractor-trolley thefts. They also demanded the arrest of a local AAP leader, Munish Kumar Chawla, also known as Pankaj Pappu, who had already been booked in connection with the thefts. According to the FIR registered at Nabha Kotwali, Munish Kumar faces charges including theft of tractor-trailers, receiving stolen goods, destruction of evidence, and criminal conspiracy. However, he had been granted anticipatory bail by the court.

Protest escalates as DSP vehicle blocked

The situation escalated when protesting farmers intercepted DSP Cheema’s vehicle and lay down in front of it, blocking her path. The DSP said the protesters pushed her vehicle, grabbed her uniform, and even pulled off her shoes. “I did not stop them from protesting. I came to speak with them, but when I tried to leave for official work, they blocked my way and misbehaved,” she said, visibly upset.

The protest was part of a longer series of demonstrations by farmers demanding justice in the tractor-trolley theft case. The farmers claim that despite filing complaints, no proper action had been taken by the police earlier. Farmer leaders, including Jaswinder Longowal, said they had informed the DSP beforehand that no vehicles would be allowed to pass during the protest. “We were protesting peacefully. Despite this, the DSP tried to force her vehicle through and used police force against us,” Longowal said.

On the other hand, farmer leader Gamdur Singh denied the DSP’s allegations and claimed that she attempted to run over the protesters with her vehicle. “Our clothes were torn as we tried to stop her. She created the problem, not us,” he said.

Witnesses stated that the DSP attempted to drive her car through the protesting crowd, but when the farmers blocked her, she got out and tried to remove them manually. This led to a chaotic scene, with both sides pushing and shoving.

Accusations, counterclaims, and police response

The DSP, in a statement, said the protesters physically assaulted her. “They pulled my uniform and even my hair. They should be ashamed for treating a female officer this way,” she said. She also indicated that she might take legal action against the protesters for manhandling her.

Farmers, however, said their protest was entirely peaceful. They accused the DSP of aggressive behavior and claimed she hurled abuses at them. Sarwan Singh Pandher, convener of the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), compared the incident to the infamous Lakhimpur Kheri case, alleging that the DSP tried to mow down the farmers with her vehicle. “We demand strict action against the DSP for her behavior and abusive language,” Pandher said.

Later in the day, senior police officials met with the protesting farmers to calm tensions and discuss their grievances. Superintendent of Police (SP) Jasbir Singh said that a proper investigation would be conducted into the DSP’s allegations of manhandling. “Action regarding the incident will be taken after a thorough investigation,” he added.

Regarding the farmers’ demands, the SP said that police had received a written complaint and would take necessary action once the investigation into all allegations was completed. By the evening, protesting farmers said they were assured by the police that another FIR would be registered against Munish Kumar Chawla, addressing their concern that justice had not yet been served.

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Background of the dispute

The protest stems from earlier incidents at the Shambhu border, where tractors and trolleys used by farmers during protests were allegedly stolen. Farmers have repeatedly complained that the responsible individuals were not punished despite filing FIRs. This has led to recurring demonstrations, as farmers seek timely and strict police action.

The Nabha incident has highlighted the strained relations between local police and farmers, reflecting a larger trend of tensions in areas with active farmer movements. While police officials insist that law and order must be maintained, farmers argue that their protests are peaceful and meant to demand justice.

The standoff in Nabha underscores the challenges authorities face in handling protests while ensuring the safety of both the public and officials. With political tensions and sensitive law-and-order issues at play, police investigations are expected to take time, and both sides are watching closely to see how the situation will be resolved.

The government and police have promised that all complaints will be examined carefully, and action will be taken against anyone found guilty of wrongdoing, whether it is the protesters or officials. Meanwhile, farmers continue to push for accountability in the theft case and seek reassurance that their protests will lead to proper legal action.