Farmers Protest : Death of Farmer in Haryana Sparks Uproar, Activist Demands NHRC Probe

Surat : As outrage simmers across the nation following the death of a 22-year-old farmer during a protest in Haryana, farmer leader in south Gujarat Darshan Naik has filed a formal complaint with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). The complaint demands a thorough investigation into the incident and seeks action against the responsible police officers, including the Director General of Police (DGP) of Haryana.

Subhkaran Singh, a resident of Balloh village in Bathinda district, Punjab, succumbed to a head injury sustained during a clash between farmers and security personnel on February 21 at the Khanauri border. The incident occurred as farmers embarked on the “Dilli Chalo” march, demanding a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their crops.

According to reports, Haryana police used teargas shells and rubber bullets to disperse the protesting farmers. While the police maintain they did not use lethal force, Subhkaran was declared dead on arrival at the Rajindra Hospital in Patiala. Doctors attributed his death to a bullet injury to the head. Photos circulating on social media purportedly show Subhkaran’s body with a significant head wound, further fueling public anger.

Naik, in his complaint, highlights the apparent contradiction between the police statement and the available evidence. He emphasizes the urgency of an investigation, calling the incident “a matter of extreme police brutality” and alleging the use of lethal force against an unarmed civilian.

“The fatal injury sustained by Subhkaran Singh necessitates an immediate and impartial investigation into the actions of the Haryana police,” stated Naik. “I have urged the NHRC to register a case against the DGP of Haryana, Assistant Inspector General of Police (Administration) Manisha Chaudhary, and the Senior Superintendent of Police, Jind district, Haryana.”

Naik further demanded the NHRC depute a fact-finding team to the Khanauri border to gather evidence and recommend appropriate action against the involved police officials. This move comes amidst widespread condemnation of the incident and calls for justice for Subhkaran Singh and his family.

The NHRC is yet to officially acknowledge the complaint. However, the incident has reignited concerns about police brutality and the use of excessive force against protestors. The coming days are likely to see further developments as the NHRC considers the complaint and the investigation into Subhkaran Singh’s death progresses.