Chandigarh, January 22, 2025 (Punjab Khabarnama Bureau): Members of the Bharti Kisan Union (Krantikari), BKU (Dakounda) and Kaumi Kisan Union along with the Water Supply and Sanitation Contract Workers’ Union sought removal of Section 307 of the IPC and other serious charges added in an FIR registered in the Prime Minister security breach case.
Earlier, the police had filed a complaint under Section 283 of the IPC. Later, the Special Investigation Team set up to probe the matter slapped more serious charges, including Sections 307, 353 and 341 of the IPC, besides several provisions of the National Highways Act against 26 persons by name and several unidentified farmers.
The protesters said they were unaware of the offences added in the FIR till the Sessions Court rejected bail plea of one of their members last week.
Demanding withdrawal of the charges, the protesters blamed the state government and the Centre for allegedly hatching conspiracy against the farmers.
Farm leader Avtar Singh Mehma said the state government was working on directions of the Centre. He said when the incident took place, the protesters were not even aware that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was coming via the same road. “Moreover, none of the protesters went towards the PM’s cavalcade. Still the police have booked the protesters under Section 307 of the IPC which is not justified,” said Mehma. “If the FIR registered against the farmers is not cancelled, we will be forced to initiate a nationwide protest,” he said.
On January 5, 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had to return back from the outskirts of Ferozpur city when his cavalcade was blocked on an elevated road near Piareana village. As a result, the SPG whisked him back.
PM Modi was to lay foundation stone of the PGI Satellite Centre, besides was supposed to announce a slew of projects for the state and also address the BJP’ s rally ahead of the Vidhan Sabha poll.
Summary: Farm unions have urged the cancellation of the FIR filed in the 2022 case involving a security lapse during Prime Minister Modi’s Punjab visit. They argue that the accusations are unjust and have called for immediate resolution.