Tractor Rally violence; FIRs against Deep Sidhu, Medha Patkar, Yogendra Yadav

By News Helpline – 28th January 2021

The Delhi Police has filed FIRs in connection with the Red Fort the incident that took place on the Republic Day. The Police has named 37 farmers’ leaders, social activists and Bharatiya Kisan Union’s (BKU) President in the FIRs in connection to the tractor rally.

The names that have come out in from the FIRs include names of some prominent figures like social activist Medha Patkar,  Swaraj India President Yogendra Yadav, BKU  Haryana President Gurnam Singh Chanduni, gangster-turned-social activist Lakha Sidhana, actor Deep Sidhu, Jai Kisan Aandolan and KKU spokesperson Rakesh Tikait and Darshan Pal Singh,  Avik Saha, Satnam Singh Pannu, Boota Singh Burjgil and Joginder Singh Ugraha.

394 policemen have been officially reported as injured in the clash, where most of them were hospitalized and some are in ICU. The police have registered more than 25 criminal cases against the protestors where 19 have been arrested and 50 detained.

The police invoked IPC sections 186 (obstructing public a servant in discharge of public functions), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), 152 (assaulting or obstructing public servant when suppressing a riot, etc), 397 (robbery, or dacoity, with an attempt to cause death or grievous hurt).

The cases against the protestors have also been registered under section 147, 148 (relating to rioting), 120B (criminal conspiracy) and 307 (attempt to murder). The cops registered the case at Kotwali police station of North district under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act and other legislation. Provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act and the Arms Act has been added in the FIR.

The actor Deep Sidhu had released a video on Facebook where he is seen defending the hoisting of flag saying it was an expression of their protest and anger against the Centre’s three farm laws.

The video sees Deep Sidhu saying, “The young people did not agree and when I came on stage I also requested them to take a common stand. Finally when the march began only 3000 people were in the designated police route rest from all areas marched to Lal Quila. When we reached there some tractors managed to break the gate. And we went inside and raised our flag.”

 On Wednesday, Delhi Police Commissioner SN Srivastava said that there was a breach of trust by the protestors and those involved in the violence would not be spared. He said some “aggressive elements” led the protest and created ruckus and violence.

“The violent protesters broke the barricades and reached Mukarba Chowk and their leaders, Satnam Singh Pannu and Darshan Pal Singh sat there and did not move to the designated route. Pannu also gave a provocative speech there and instigated the protesters to break barricades,” he said.

Meanwhile, the historic monument will remain closed for visitors from January 27 to January 31, according to an order issued by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).