Video Producer: Shohini Bose
Video Editor: Abhishek Sharma
Haryana Police on Saturday, 28 August, resorted to lathi-charging several farmers blocking National Highway-3 and the Delhi-Amritsar Highway to protest against police brutality against other farmers in Karnal.
The farmers were reportedly protesting a meeting chaired by Haryana Chief Minster Manohar Lal Khattar in Karnal. The clashes between the police forces and farmers reportedly took place near the Bastar toll plaza
According to a The Indian Express report, several farmers were injured injured as the police used riot gear disperse them. One visual shared on social media shows a man holding a bandage to his head, with blood on his shirt and leg.
One visual shared widely on social media shows a man holding a bandage to his head with blood on his shirt and leg.
'Sar Phod Dena': IAS Officer to Cops
In a viral video, a 2018 batch IAS officer Ayush Sinha is heard instructing the cops to “pick up each protester and hit them."
Sinha can be heard saying “sar phod dena” (break their heads) to the cops.
Farmers Body Slams Haryana Police for 'Brutal' Action
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha – the farmers' body that united the protests against the contentious farm laws – slammed the Haryana police for their “brutal actions”.
“While PM Modi was doing a Jallianwala Bagh virtual rally, the Jallianwala Bagh unleashed in Karnal is doubly shameful. SKM warns the Khattar-Chautala government that farmers will not retreat and the current historic movement cannot be suppressed by such barbaric acts of the anti-people government.”
The farmers' body demanded dismissal of Sinha for his “completely illegal” instructions to the police force.
Background
The farmers were reportedly protesting against a meeting organised by senior BJP leaders in Haryana. The meeting was regarding the upcoming municipal elections. It was scheduled to be held at Prem Plaza Hotel in Karnal, outside which the farmers attempted to assemble but were unable to.
According to a The Indian Express report, the farmers tried to block BJP vehicles moving towards the hotel but were unable to do so due to heavy police presence. The clashes took place when farmers refused to disperse from the National Highway, resulting in the police action.
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