Ferozepur district authorities have issued arrest warrants against 25 members of the Bharti Kisan Union (Krantikari) and Krantikari Pendu Mazdoor Union in connection with a security breach during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit on January 5, 2022. The PM, scheduled to address a rally and pay homage to Bhagat Singh and fellow freedom fighters in Hussainiwala, returned without attending the event due to protests at the Piareana flyover.
Charges Escalated Following Initial FIR
Initially, an FIR was filed on January 6, 2022, under IPC Section 283 (obstruction in a public way), a bailable offense. However, after concerns were raised by BJP leaders, a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) added more serious charges, including attempt to murder (IPC Section 307) and assault on a public servant (IPC Section 353), among others. The updated FIR named 26 individuals, including union leaders like Baldev Singh Zira and Kamaljeet Singh. Following delays, a Ferozepur court issued arrest warrants for 25 accused individuals on January 3, 2025.
Farmers Condemn Government Action
Surjeet Singh Phul, president of BKU Krantikari, criticized the government’s actions, alleging political motives behind the intensified legal measures. Phul argued that the protest on the flyover was peaceful and held under the Samyukt Kisan Morcha’s call. He described the attempt-to-murder charges as baseless and accused authorities of pressuring families of the accused.
Phul also highlighted a prior incident where union leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal was detained and later released, suggesting a pattern of intimidation. He warned both central and state governments against targeting protesting farmers. The police have been conducting raids to apprehend the accused, who remain active in protests at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders.
This case underscores tensions between farmer unions and the government over protests that disrupted the Prime Minister’s plans and raised broader questions about managing public dissent
