The Ludhiana rural police have initiated legal action against seventeen individuals following a violent assault on the sarpanch of Halwara village. The attack reportedly stemmed from the village head's objections to the accused spreading malicious rumours and using abusive language on social media platforms.
Sarpanch Targeted After Nagar Kirtan Confrontation
According to the police complaint filed by Sukhwinder Singh, the elected sarpanch of Halwara village, the incident has its roots in a confrontation during a nagar kirtan (religious procession). Sukhwinder Singh stated that he intervened to stop a group of people from using inappropriate language and circulating false information on social media. This act of intervention allegedly angered the group, leading to planned retaliation.
The complainant detailed that the accused, along with their accomplices, later assaulted him. The attackers allegedly punched him and struck him with iron rods, causing significant injuries that required hospitalisation. Following medical treatment, Sukhwinder Singh formally lodged a complaint with the Sudhar police station, setting the legal process in motion.
Police Launch Manhunt, One Arrest Made
Acting on the complaint, the Ludhiana rural police registered a case and began investigations. The First Information Report (FIR) names seventeen persons in total. Out of these, five have been specifically identified by the complainant, while twelve remain unidentified as of now.
The identified accused are named as Rajvir Singh, his brother Rajwinder, Vishal, Jassa, and an individual named Happy. SHO Gurdeep Singh of Sudhar police station confirmed that intensive raids are being conducted across the area to apprehend all the accused involved in the assault.
In a breakthrough, the police have already made one arrest in connection with the case. The arrested individual has been identified as Harman Singh Happy, a resident of Halwara village. The search for the remaining sixteen accused is actively ongoing.
Rising Tensions Over Social Media Conduct in Rural Areas
This incident highlights the growing challenges and sometimes violent confrontations arising from social media use in rural communities. The case underscores the tension between traditional village authority structures, represented by the sarpanch, and the unchecked spread of misinformation and abuse on digital platforms.
The police action sends a strong message against taking the law into one's own hands. The booking of seventeen individuals under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code demonstrates the seriousness with which the authorities are treating this attack on a local elected representative. The community now awaits the outcome of the police investigation and the arrest of all remaining suspects.
