Farmers-Police clash in Longowal: 70-year-old farmer succumbs to leg injury after being crushed by tractor-trolley
Babushahi Bureau
Longowal, Sangrur 21, 2023:Clashes broke out between farmers and Punjab police personnels in Longowal village of Sangrur when they were heading towards Chandigarh to participate in a protest.
Pritam Singh, 70-year-old died after he was run over by tractor trolley in a stampede like situation. Following the incident, he was rushed by to Rajinder Hospital where he succumbed to serious leg injury.
SSP Sangrur's statement
"Today, during protest by BKU Azad farmer union in Longowal, when they were marching towards Badbar Toll Plaza and Barnala Sangrur National Highway for blockade, police force and officers deployed on duty tried to stop them from moving further. When Barricades deployed were breached and tractor trolleys were moving further, police force further tried to stop them but they were driving rash. One Inspector on duty got squeezed between troctor trolley but just escaped from being crushed serious injuries. Under the same trolley an old farmer Pritam Singh was overrun under double tyres and sustained serious injuries. Later on during treatment, he died," SSP Surendra Lamba.
"In this regard clear video footages are also available in which farmer is seen being overrun by trolley and his colleagues even appealing the driver to stop the vehicle. Apart from this one more farmers and few police personnels have also sustained injuries. Prima facie, This unfortunate incident took place due to few tractor and bus driver’s irresponsible behaviour and rash driving during this protest march.
Situation at Longowal is peaceful and police force used highest level of restrain from using force against farmers.I request all to maintain peace and law and order and cooperate to handle this situation peacefully," he added.