Violent clashes broke out between security forces and demonstrators during the state-level Independence Day celebrations at the Government College Ground in Hansi, Haryana. Protesters, comprising activists from farmer organizations and local residents, were demanding the immediate arrest of the prime suspect involved in the murder of Jivan, a dairy operator from Surya Nagar in Hisar district. When the crowd attempted to forcibly march toward the venue where Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini was hoisting the national flag, police intervened to stop them. The ensuing stone-pelting and police baton charge left several security personnel injured, including Hansi Superintendent of Police (SP) Vinod Kumar, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) rank officer, and a police Inspector.
Protesters Attempt to Breach Security Perimeter Near Event Venue
Local authorities had prior information regarding the call given by farmer unions and protest groups to stage a demonstration at the Independence Day venue. In response to this protest call, stringent security arrangements were deployed at multiple strategic locations across Hansi city. Despite the heavy police presence, a large gathering of protesters arrived on tractors and other private vehicles on the morning of Independence Day, attempting to advance directly toward the Government College Ground.
Tensions escalated significantly when police personnel halted the convoy of tractors and vehicles at security barricades erected a short distance from the main event area. Confrontations and heated arguments between officers and demonstrators were reported at least two to three different locations across the city. As the crowd disregarded warnings and attempted to breach the barricades to reach the venue, police forces resorted to a lathicharge to disperse the crowd and maintain order.
SP Vinod Kumar and Police Personnel Injured in Heavy Stone Pelting
In retaliation to the police baton charge, aggressive protesters began hurling heavy stones at the police deployment. The sudden volley of stones caught the security personnel off guard. During the barrage, Hansi SP Vinod Kumar sustained a severe stone injury to his hand. Visuals from the scene showed SP Vinod Kumar tying a handkerchief around his bleeding hand to control the hemorrhage.
Apart from the SP, a DSP rank officer, a police Inspector, and several other police personnel suffered injuries from flying stones. Following the violence, police responded swiftly by detaining several individuals involved in the stone-pelting and rioting. SP Vinod Kumar later confirmed that numerous protesters were taken into custody and that security forces had managed to bring the situation under control.
Background of the Brutal August 4 Murder of Dairy Operator Jivan
The unrest stems from a murder incident that took place on the morning of August 4. On that day, Jivan, a dairy operator residing in Surya Nagar under Hisar district, was riding his motorcycle towing a trolley to dump livestock waste. While he was en route, a group of 10 to 12 youths from the neighboring area intercepted him on the road. Armed with wooden sticks and bats, the assailants launched a brutal physical assault on Jivan.
The attackers repeatedly beat Jivan until he lost consciousness and collapsed on the ground. The assailants then fled the scene. Upon receiving information, family members rushed to the spot and transported the critically injured Jivan to a nearby hospital. Despite medical efforts, Jivan succumbed to his injuries during treatment.
Main Accused Ramesh Sharma Absconding With Rs 50,000 Reward Announced
Investigating the murder case, Hisar police have arrested seven suspects so far. However, the key accused, identified as Ramesh Sharma, has been absconding since the crime occurred. To accelerate his capture, Hisar police previously announced a cash reward of Rs 50,000 for any information leading to his arrest, with police teams conducting raids across potential hideouts.
The victim's family and protesting farm organizations alleged that authorities were delaying the arrest of main accused Ramesh Sharma. Frustrated by the lack of progress, the protesters chose the high-profile state-level Independence Day event attended by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to voice their grievances, leading to the confrontation in Hansi.
