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In a significant development amidst the ongoing farmers’ protest, the Punjab Police has taken action by registering a murder case in the tragic death of 21-year-old farmer Shubhkaran Singh. Singh, a native of Bathinda, lost his life during clashes between protesting farmers and Haryana security personnel at the Khanauri border point.
The FIR, filed under sections 302 (murder) and 114 (abettor present when offence is committed) of the Indian Penal Code, was initiated at the Patran Police station in Patiala upon the complaint of Shubhkaran’s father. The incident site was indicated as Garhi in Haryana’s Jind district, near the Khanauri area where the clash occurred.
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher shared, “Today marks the 17th day of our march at the Khanauri and Shambhu border. We have received information that an FIR has been lodged under sections 302 and 114 of IPC in the death of Shubhkaran Singh. Today, we will also take the body of the deceased to the Khanauri border for his final rites in his native village.”
The initially peaceful protest took a violent turn as some farmers attempted to breach police barricades set up to halt their “Delhi Chalo” march. Farmer leaders insisted on the FIR being registered before permitting the post-mortem examination, and the body is currently held at Rajindra Hospital’s mortuary in Patiala.
Shubhkaran is expected to be cremated on Thursday, with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announcing a compensation of Rs 1 crore and a government job for Shubhkaran’s sister.
As the protest action pauses until February 29th, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), leading the farmers’ protest, stated, “We will decide the next course of action on February 29.” The SKM, along with the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, continues to press the Centre for their demands, including a legal guarantee on minimum support price for crops and farm loan waivers.
Farmers, predominantly from Punjab, have been stationed at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points for the protest. Leaders affirm that the demonstrators will persist at Khanauri and Shambhu until February 29th, awaiting the decision on the next steps in their movement.
