Punjab, January 17:
Arrest warrants have been issued for 25 members of the Bharti Kisan Union (Krantikari) and the Krantikari Pendu Mazdoor Union in connection with a security breach during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Punjab on January 5, 2022. The incident took place when a protest by these unions at the Piareana flyover forced the Prime Minister to cut his visit short.
The case initially saw the registration of an FIR on January 6, 2022, under Section 283 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for obstruction in a public way, a bailable offense. However, after objections raised by BJP leaders regarding the FIR’s insufficient details, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed. The SIT added additional serious charges, including attempted murder (Section 307), assault on a public servant (Section 353), wrongful restraint (Section 341), and unlawful assembly (Section 149), among others.
The FIR named 26 individuals, including Baldev Singh Zira, general secretary of the BKU Krantikari, and other union members. However, after the passing of one accused, Major Singh, the remaining 25 individuals now face arrest.
The Ferozepur court issued arrest warrants on January 3, 2025, after the accused failed to appear in court despite multiple summons. The police are conducting raids to apprehend the accused and present them in court by January 22.
The investigation continues as the farmers’ unions argue that the charges are politically motivated and intended to intimidate the protesting farmers. The case continues to draw attention as it adds to the ongoing tension surrounding farmer protests in the region.
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