‘Use of force cannot be justified’: Kumari Selja seeks probe into Hansi clash

Sirsa MP and Congress general secretary Kumari Selja on Sunday called the murder of dairy operator Jeevan Kundu in Hansi tragic and demanded a high-level, impartial probe into Saturday's police action against protesters.

Selja also questioned the delay in arresting the alleged prime accused in the case and said it raised serious concerns about the law and order situation in Haryana.

"In a democracy, the use of force against people peacefully demanding justice cannot be justified," Selja said.

Protesters clashed with police

On Saturday, farmers and other protesters clashed with police after they were stopped from marching towards an Independence Day function attended by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini in Hansi.

The protesters were seeking the arrest of the alleged main accused in Jeevan's murder. Police said farmers arriving on tractors and other vehicles clashed with security personnel at two to three locations around 8 am.

According to police, a lathi-charge was carried out to disperse the protesters after they allegedly pelted stones. Several people, including Hansi Superintendent of Police Vinod Kumar and a DSP, were injured.

Police have registered a case against around 150-200 protesters, including women, under several sections, including attempt to murder.

Murder accused still absconding

Jeevan was allegedly killed on August 4 while taking dung for disposal. Police said a group of around 10-12 youths from the neighbourhood surrounded him and attacked him with sticks and clubs.

His family took him to a nearby hospital, where he died during treatment.

Police have arrested nine suspects in connection with the murder. However, protesters are demanding the arrest of Ramesh Sharma, whom they have identified as the alleged main accused. Sharma is currently absconding.

Selja said the administration's first priority should be securing justice for Jeevan's family.

"The first responsibility of the administration is to ensure justice for the victim's family by arresting the main accused and all other guilty persons," she said.

Demand to withdraw cases against protesters

Samyukt Kisan Morcha spokesperson Shraddhanand Rajli had also alleged that protesters were manhandled and subjected to lathi-charge during Saturday's clashes.

"Unfortunately, people demanding justice through democratic means are being arrested and subjected to lathi-charge," he said.

Selja called for a review of the serious charges registered against protesters and sought the release of innocent farmers' leaders and activists.

"Democracy requires the government to listen to voices seeking justice, not suppress them," she said, urging the government to stop using force against villagers and farmers.