Day on, three more farm activists held in Chandigarh for attacking BJP leaders

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 18

Three more arrests, two at 1.30 am, were made today in connection with vandalisation of the BJP leaders’ cars during a protest by farm activists at the motor market in Sector 48 on Saturday. Malwinder Pal Singh, Harpreet Singh and Rajinder Singh were presented before court from where they were remanded in judicial custody.

They have been charged with sections 147, 148, 149, 269, 270, 341, 427, 506, 332, 353, IPC. The Lawyers Defence Committee for Farmers is fighting their case free of cost.

“A bail application has been filed and the hearing has been fixed for tomorrow,” said Vipin Kumar, an advocate. “New sections, 427, 332 and 353 have been added. Harpreet and Rajinder were picked at 1:30 am and Malwinder was picked up by the police around 8 am today. In fact, Malwinder was released yesterday and was re-arrested today,” said Ramandeep Singh Gill, an advocate.

Advocate Satbir Walia said Rajinder worked at the motor market and didn’t have anything to do with the incident. “He has a shop in the motor market. He didn’t even come outside. Maybe all this is being done for the MC elections and his arrest is politically motivated,” he said.

Walia added: “The charges against protesters were changed overnight after Kirron Kher tweeted about the ‘City Beautiful’, tagging PMO and Amit Shah. .”

Bhaag Singh Suhaag, president, District Bar Association, said: “As per news, Sood informed the DGP that an attack was anticipated. Yet, the police weren’t prepared.”