Villagers Stage Protest in Hoshiarpur Over Alleged Police Excesses

Villagers in Punjab's Hoshiarpur district protested a mining case and police actions, blocking a major road for hours. The protest, led by a local named Birbal, disrupted traffic. Police registered a case of illegal mining but faced accusations of custodial violence, prompting demands for a fair inquiry.

Tension gripped the Chabbewal area in Punjab's Hoshiarpur district as residents took to the streets, blocking the Hoshiarpur-Chandigarh road for close to four hours. Sparked by a case of alleged police excesses tied to illegal mining, villagers of Punj, led by local activist Birbal, staged a significant sit-in at the main intersection, resulting in lengthy traffic backups on both sides of the blockade.

Authorities had recently filed charges under the Mining and Minerals Act against individuals from Punj and Balima villages, alleging illegal mining activities. The police arrested Rajeev Kumar, one of the accused, and seized two tractor-trailers. However, protesters claimed he was subjected to mistreatment while in custody, demanding the charges be withdrawn and officials held accountable.

Although police rerouted traffic, commuters experienced significant delays. The protest ended only after senior police officers, including Superintendent of Police (Investigation) Dr. Manpreet Sihnmar, arrived and promised an impartial investigation into the allegations. Normal traffic flow resumed post-afternoon.

(With inputs from agencies.)