‘Will probe incident, but if farmers are guilty…’: Haryana govt on Karnal officer row

Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij told reporters on Thursday that his government will probe the ‘entire episode’- the August 28 lathi charge on protesting farmers in Karnal.

Farmers have demanded strict action against former Karnal SDM Ayush Sinha, who was caught on video instructing his officers to ‘crack their (farmer’s) heads’ if they breach the police line.

Vij said that the state will probe the entire incident and not just Sinha as officers ‘cannot be punished without a probe. The Minister however warned the farmer leaders that if they are found guilty, action will also be taken against them.

Chief Minister Khattar has defended the officer’s choice of words as ‘incorrect but necessary to ensure law and order’.

Now camping at the mini-secretariat, farmers have warned of a ’Singhu-like’ situation. After multiple failed talks with the administration, BKU leader Tikait said that it seems like the government doesn’t want an end to the dharna so they have decided to open a permanent front there like at Singhu.