HANSI / HISAR: A violent confrontation broke out between protesting farmers and the police in Hansi as farmers attempted to disrupt Chief Minister Nayab Saini's Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony. The situation rapidly escalated into a lathi charge and stone-pelting, leaving several individuals injured on both sides.

The Confrontation & Injuries

The police resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the crowd, resulting in severe head injuries for several farmers. In retaliation, the protesters began pelting stones at the police force.

• Police Casualties: Hansi Superintendent of Police (SP) Vinod Kumar and a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) sustained injuries during the stone-pelting. SP Kumar was seen tying a handkerchief around his hand to stop the bleeding.

• Escalation: Reports indicate that police also retaliated with stone-pelting. The resulting chaos forced protesting women to take shelter in nearby shops.

• Detentions: Police successfully pushed back the farmers near the Sisay bridge and took several individuals into custody, including prominent farmer leader Suresh Koth. A few others have been placed under house arrest.

Farmers Issue Highway Blockade Ultimatum

Outraged by the police action and detentions, the farmers have issued a strict ultimatum to the administration. They warned that if the detained individuals are not released by 3:00 PM, they will completely block the National Highway. Showing political solidarity, Congress MLA Naresh Selwal arrived at the protest site and assured the farmers of his full support in their struggle.

The Root Cause: Jivan Kundu Murder Case

The farmers' agitation is deeply tied to the brutal murder of dairy operator Jivan Kundu, who was beaten to death with sticks in Hisar on August 4. The farmers are protesting to demand the immediate arrest of the prime suspect.

Investigation Updates:

• The Hisar Police have arrested 9 accused in connection with the murder so far.

• On Friday, two more suspects—Vivek (resident of Bhatla, Hansi) and Sumit alias Suti Khan (resident of Dayal Singh Colony, Hansi)—were apprehended.

• Seven other accused, including Bhanu Kumar, Gajendra (Gajju Pandit), and Sahil, have already been sent to jail.

• Main Accused Absconding: The prime accused, Ramesh Sharma, is still on the run. The police have announced a ₹50,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.

Preceding Agitations: Toll Plazas Blocked

Frustrated by the delay in apprehending the main accused, farmers and Khap representatives escalated their protests yesterday. They blocked seven major toll plazas across the region for three hours (until 2:00 PM).

• Affected Tolls: Landhri, Chaudhariwas, and Agroha (Hisar); Ramayan and Bass (Hansi); and Makrauli and Chandi (Rohtak).

• The blockade witnessed heated arguments between protesters and drivers in some areas, while in other spots, farmers were seen politely explaining their cause to commuters with folded hands.