Jalandhar Sarpanch Succumbs to Injuries After Brutal Attack
Mohinder Singh, the sarpanch of Butte Dia Chhanna village in Jalandhar and a prominent leader of the Jamhoori Kisan Sabha, tragically passed away during the intervening night of Friday and Saturday. He had been seriously injured in a violent assault on the morning of February 28 and later succumbed to his injuries despite medical intervention.
Details of the Attack and Medical Response
The attack left Singh with severe head injuries, necessitating immediate surgery at a private hospital in Jalandhar. According to sources close to the investigation, the assault was allegedly orchestrated by a drug peddler operating in the area. Locals reported that Singh was attacked by five individuals armed with kirpans and iron rods, highlighting the brutality of the incident.
Farm and Labour Groups Launch Protest
In the wake of Singh's death, the Jamhoori Kisan Sabha, along with other farm and labour organizations, initiated a dharna outside the Mehatpur police station on Saturday. The protestors have put forth several key demands, including:
- The immediate arrest of the main accused in the case.
- Financial compensation for the bereaved family.
- A government job for a member of Singh's family.
- Action against police personnel who allegedly provided information to drug peddlers, enabling the attack.
Major Singh, a leader of the Jamhoori Kisan Sabha, emphasized that the sarpanch had been actively pursuing the police to take action against the sale of chitta (drugs) in the village, which may have motivated the attack.
Police Investigation and Arrests
The Jalandhar Rural police have been actively investigating the case. On March 4, they arrested one of the accused, Sukhjit Singh, following a brief encounter. Pankaj Kumar, the SHO of Mehatpur police station, provided an update, stating that a total of eight persons have been booked in the case. So far, three individuals have been arrested, including two who directly attacked the sarpanch and one conspirator named in the initial complaint. The police have also added a murder charge to the FIR, reflecting the severity of the crime.
This incident has sparked widespread concern in the community, with calls for justice and stronger measures against drug-related violence in rural Punjab.
