Withdraw FIR in PM security breach incident, say farmers

Farmer unions have demanded that the state government should withdraw the FIR, which includes attempt to murder case charge, filed against farmers for protesting during a visit of PM Narendra Modi on January 5, 2022.

The inclusion of Section 307 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) came to light when Kanwaljit Singh, one of the accused farmers, applied for anticipatory bail in the Ferozepur court recently, said farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher.

Dismissing the application, the Ferozepur sessions court highlighted that obstructing the PM’s security was a serious offence.

Baldev Singh Zira, state president, BKU-Krantikari, said the state government was apparently working under the Union Government’s pressure.

“The police had earlier booked unidentified persons under Section 283 of the IPC, but later added Section 307 to the FIR. Moreover, the police had booked 25 persons by name but no information was shared with us. Now, the court is issuing non-bailable warrants against protesters for non-appearance,” said Baldev Singh.

The PM’s convoy had remained stranded for over 15 minutes at an elevated road at Piareana village near Ferozepur due to the farmers’ protest.

The Supreme Court later blamed the Ferozepur SSP for failing to maintain law and order.