New Twist in Modi Security Breach Case: Farmer outfit condemn addition of Section 307, criticise political motives
HARISH MONGA
Ferozepur, January 16: The case of breach of security of Prime Minister Modi’s has taken a new turn with the Punjab government recently adding Section 307 (attempt to murder) to the charges, escalating tensions and drawing criticism from farmer unions.
The District and Sessions Court in Ferozepur has dismissed the anticipatory bail application of Kamaljit Singh in connection with the January 5, 2022, incident when Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s convoy was stopped on a flyover near Piariana.
When the incident occurred, PM Modi was en route to a rally in Ferozepur, flying from Bhisiana Air Base in Bathinda. The following day, a case was registered under Section 283 of the IPC on the statement of Sub-Inspector Birbal Singh. The preliminary investigation raised concerns about security lapses, prompting a detailed probe. The incident also led to action against seven police officers under Section 8 of the Punjab Civil Services (Punishment and Appeal) Rules, 1970.
As deposed by Gurdeep Singh, DSP, Sub Division Zira, on November 26, 2024, “During investigation offences under section307/353/186/149 IPC and 8 of National Highways Act 1956 were added in FIR vide rapat no.28 of 20.12.2022. A SIT was constituted in the said FIR and the SIT is now investigating the matter which is still pending” in the CWP No,30493 of 2024 case of Avtar Singh of village Pheroke Tehsil Zira, Feorzepur. It was also prayed for taking present status report by way of affidavit on record and the petition filed by the petition may be dismissed in the interest of justice.
Farmer leader Surjit Singh Phul, Chairman of the Bharti Kisan Union (Krantikari), held a press conference at the Shambhu border. Farmers have been protesting since November 23, demanding a Minimum Support Price (MSP) guarantee law. Phul criticized the Punjab government for adding Section 307 (attempt to murder) to the case after three years of inactivity.
Phul stated that the FIR initially registered against 25 individuals, including farmer leader Baldev Singh Zira, was politically motivated. He added that the action appears to be an attempt to suppress the farmers’ participation in the ongoing Delhi Andolan-2 protests. He further appealed to the state and central governments to halt the arrests, warning of strong opposition from farmer unions, including Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) [SKM (NP)].
The court viewed the convoy stoppage as a grave security lapse and dismissed the anticipatory bail plea, signalling the seriousness of the charges. Farmer unions, however, continue to condemn the government’s actions, asserting that the additions to the case are politically driven.