A confrontation between protesters and police disrupted preparations at the Government College ground in Hansi on Saturday as a group demanding the arrest of all accused in the murder of a dairy operator tried to press their way towards the venue of the state-level Independence Day function.
Sequence of events
Police said activists from farmers' bodies, who had announced a demonstration at the site where the Chief Minister was to hoist the tricolour, converged at several points around the town. Groups travelling in tractors and other vehicles attempted to move towards the college ground, and clashes broke out when they were stopped by security barriers.
According to police, the protesters clashed with officers at "two to three places". To disperse the mob, policemen resorted to a lathi-charge; protesters allegedly pelted stones in response. The scuffle left several farmers and police personnel injured.
Injuries, detentions and vehicle seizures
Hansi Superintendent of Police Vinod Kumar sustained an injury when a stone struck his hand; other officers including a deputy superintendent-rank official and an inspector were also hurt. Kumar was seen covering the wound with a handkerchief.
Police said that many protesters have been detained and that several tractors and vehicles brought by demonstrators were seized as part of crowd-control measures.
| Item | Reported details |
|---|---|
| Senior police injured | SP Vinod Kumar, a DSP and an inspector sustained injuries |
| Detentions | Several protesters detained; police said many were held |
| Vehicles impounded | Tractors and other vehicles used by protesters were impounded |
Protest demands and case background
The protesters had gathered to press for the arrest of all accused in the killing of a dairy operator identified as Jeevan, who was attacked on the morning of August 4 in Surya Nagar in Hisar district.
Hisar Police earlier said the attack involved a group of around 10-12 youths from the neighbourhood who allegedly surrounded Jeevan while he was towing a trolley with his motorcycle to dispose of dung. They beat him with sticks and clubs, leaving him unconscious. He was taken to a nearby hospital but died during treatment, police said. Seven suspects have been arrested in the investigation, the protesters say; they demand the arrest of the alleged main accused who is reported to be absconding.
Security measures and official response
Heavy security arrangements had been made at several locations in Hansi in anticipation of the protest call, police said. Barricades and checkpoints were set up around the venue and on approach roads.
Officials said that preventive detentions of some farmer leaders were carried out earlier in the day. Those detained during the clashes were taken into custody and further legal action is expected as investigations into the disturbance continue.
Local impact and next steps
The disturbance interrupted the Independence Day proceedings at the local venue and heightened tensions in Hansi and neighbouring localities. The police have indicated that formal arrests and FIRs will be processed in accordance with the evidence gathered at the scene and statements recorded from injured officers and detained protesters.
- What police say: Protesters attempted to reach the event venue and clashed with officers; stones were allegedly thrown and police used lathi-charge.
- What protesters seek: Immediate arrest of all accused in the August 4 murder of dairy operator Jeevan.
- Action taken: Multiple detentions and impounding of tractors and other vehicles used by demonstrators.
Police have not yet released a full list of those detained or the exact number of injured protesters. The investigation into both the August 4 murder and the public-order incident in Hansi remains ongoing.
