A court in Ferozepur has issued arrest warrants against 25 members of the Bharti Kisan Union (Krantikari) and Krantikari Pendu Mazdoor Union in connection with the January 5, 2022, security breach during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Punjab. The accused include prominent union leaders such as Baldev Singh Zira, while one of the initially named individuals, Major Singh, has since passed away.
The case originates from protests staged on the Piareana flyover, which led to the Prime Minister’s convoy being forced to return to Bathinda airport without completing his scheduled engagements. Despite repeated court summons, the accused failed to appear, prompting the court to order their arrest by January 22.
Initially, a First Information Report (FIR) was registered under Section 283 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), a bailable offense concerning obstruction in a public way. However, under pressure from BJP leaders, the charges were escalated. A three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) later included serious allegations such as IPC Sections 307 (attempt to murder), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter a public servant), and 341 (wrongful restraint). Additionally, Section 8-B of the National Highway Act was invoked.
Superintendent of Police (Investigation) Randhir Kumar confirmed that raids are underway to apprehend the accused, with investigations continuing.
Farmer unions have dismissed the allegations as politically motivated. Surjeet Singh Phul, a leader of BKU Krantikari, said, “The attempt-to-murder charges are baseless, as no confrontation occurred. This is being done at the behest of the central government to target protesting farmers.”
On January 5, 2022, Prime Minister Modi was en route to Hussainiwala to pay tribute to freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev and to lay the foundation stone for a PGI satellite centre in Ferozepur. The day was marked by heavy rain and a sparse turnout at a rally.
Due to inclement weather, the Prime Minister opted for road travel instead of a helicopter. However, his convoy was met with a blockade by protesting farmers on the Piareana flyover. This unprecedented security lapse forced him to return to Bathinda airport without attending any of the planned events.
The incident drew widespread criticism, with BJP leaders accusing the Punjab government of failing to ensure the Prime Minister’s safety.
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