Following a suicide attempt by a 40-year-old man from Rajgarh village, who allegedly consumed poison after being “humiliated” by Dhanaula SHO Lakhvir Singh, Barnala MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhillon has issued an ultimatum to the authorities demanding an FIR against the SHO, else his party will launch a protest.
The SHO was suspended later that day. The dispute began on Sunday during a disagreement over a village street project being overseen by the local panchayat. Panchayat member Gursewak Singh called the police to the scene. The SHO allegedly arrived in civilian clothes and publicly assaulted the victim. This led the victim to “attempt suicide” by consuming a poisonous substance, alleged the family members
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Dhillon condemned the police action. “The incident is not alone. Many such incidents have happened in the past also. He intimidates people to extort money,” he alleged. He said that mere suspension is not enough. An FIR must be filed.
The first information report was registered under sections 333, 115(2) and 76 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against Gursewak Singh on Sunday.