The Prime Minister’s convoy was stuck for about 20 minutes.
The security lapse during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Ferozepur on January 5, 2022 is once again in the headlines. Court issues arrest warrant against 25 members of Bharatiya Kisan Union (Revolutionary) and Krantikari Pendu Mazdoor Union of Firozpur district.
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The Prime Minister was to address a rally in Ferozepur that day and go to Hussainiwala to pay homage to Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev. Earlier they were to go by helicopter, but suddenly their route was changed and they were taken by road. But due to the protestors blocking the way at Piarana flyover, he had to cancel the program and return to Delhi.
FIR and investigation developments
On January 6, 2022, an FIR was registered in the case under IPC section 283 (obstructing public way), which is a bailable offence. However, a three-member SIT was formed after BJP leaders raised objections over the weak FIR.
Based on the investigation, now more serious sections have been added to the FIR, including sections 307 (attempt to murder), 353 (assault on public servant), 341 (wrongful restraint), 186 (obstructing in discharge of duty), 149. (Unlawful assembly) and Section 8-B of the National Highway Act.
The FIR names 26 people, including BKU Revolutionary general secretary Baldev Singh Zira and other farmer leaders and members. One accused Major Singh has died, while action has been intensified against the remaining 25.
Court issued arrest warrant
On January 3, 2025, the Firozpur court issued arrest warrants against these 25 farmers. Earlier too, summons and warrants were sent to the accused to appear in the court, but due to their absence, now the police have been directed to arrest and produce them by January 22.
Protest and allegations of farmer organizations
Bharatiya Kisan Union (Krantikari) President Surjit Singh Phool accused the Punjab government of working under central pressure. He said that the police are raiding the houses of farmers to arrest them.
While talking to the media, Phool said that we warn the government not to target farmers. Our protests were peaceful and allegations like attempt to murder are completely baseless. This is only a conspiracy to scare the farmers and their leaders.
Phool also alleged that in November also, Punjab Police had forcibly picked up farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal from Khanauri border, but he was later released. He said that the central government is continuously trying to weaken the farmers’ movement.
Know what happened on 5 January 2022
Prime Minister Modi could not go by helicopter due to rain and had to go to Firozpur by road from Bathinda. But farmer protesters blocked the road at Piarana flyover. Due to this, the Prime Minister’s convoy remained stuck for about 20-25 minutes and he had to return.
Firozpur Police has confirmed the arrest warrant has been issued and has intensified the raids to nab the accused. At the same time, farmer organizations are calling this action taken under pressure by the Central Government.
