Goods worth crores stolen, damaged after crackdown: Punjab farmers

Mohit Khanna

Tribune News Service

Patiala, March 24

Even as DGP Gaurav Yadav promised strict action against persons behind theft of farmers’ goods after they were removed from various protest sites recently, farm unions have claimed to have suffered huge losses as a large number of goods were damaged or stolen.

Leaders of the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), including Satnam Singh Pannu and Tejveer Singh, reported financial losses amounting to crores of rupees. According to them, stolen items also included high-end tents, air-conditioners, refrigerators, laptops, Wi-Fi dongles, clothes, blankets, inverters and microwave ovens.

Special Superintendent of Police (SP) Jasbir Singh has been appointed nodal officer to handle theft complaints. So far, 20 complaints have been registered, with victims being directed to the respective police stations for further action.

Status of detained farmers

The authorities have released 800 out of 1,400 detained farmers. The process of releasing 450 more farmers, including women, senior citizens, individuals with disabilities and those with medical conditions, is underway.

KMM leader Pannu expressed concern over the condition of fasting farm leader Dallewal, alleging he was being kept in illegal confinement by the police.

Ghanaur slams allegations

MLA Gurlal Singh Ghanaur has termed allegations of his involvement in the theft of tractor-trailers as baseless and politically motivated. He dismissed allegations linking him to Tinku of Lohsimbli village, who has been booked for theft. At a press conference, Ghanaur said he was being targeted due to his affiliation with the ruling party.