‘Break their heads’: Haryana officials caught on camera giving instructions to police regarding farmers

A video before the BJP meeting in Karnal, Haryana is becoming increasingly viral on social media. In the video, a top district official is teaching a lesson to policemen that farmers protesting against BJP leaders suffered “head injuries”. In the viral video, the officer’s words were criticized by many, including BJP MP Varun Gandhi.

A group of farmers going towards Karnal in Haryana was lathi-charged by the state police to protest a BJP meeting. At least 10 people have been injured in the lathi charge. Where Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, state BJP chief Om Prakash Dhankhar and other senior leaders were present.

I hope this video is edited and the DM did not say this… Otherwise, this is unacceptable in democratic India to do to our own citizens. pic.twitter.com/rWRFSD2FRH

— Varun Gandhi (@varungandhi80) August 28, 2021

In the video, Karnal Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Ayush Sinha is seen standing in front of a group of policemen and instructing them that no protesting farmer should go beyond a certain barricade in the area.

“It is very simple and clear, whoever it is, from wherever it is, no one should be allowed to reach there. We will not allow this line to be broken at any cost. Just pick up your sticks and hit them. Hit hard… It’s very clear, no need for any instructions, just beat them hard. If I see even a single protester here, I want to see them bang their heads.

“Any doubt?” Finally the SDM said.

“No sir,” said the policemen in a loud voice.

On hearing the news of police action in Karnal, farmers from other districts also came out in large numbers and unitedly blocked the highway. This led to heavy traffic jams on major highways connecting cities like Delhi and Chandigarh. Police said only mild force was used as the protesters were blocking the highway and blocking traffic.

Sinha told news agency ANI, “Stone pelting had started at many places… During the briefing it was told that force should be used proportionately.”

BJP’s Varun Gandhi tweeted, “I hope this video has been edited and DM hasn’t said so.. Otherwise, doing this to our own citizens in a democratic India is unacceptable.”

Strongly condemning the action, senior leader Randeep Singh Surjewala tweeted, “Khattar sahib, today you have lathis on the soul of Haryanvi… The coming generations will remember the blood of farmers that has been shed on the streets.”

Swaraj India chief and Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) leader Yogendra Yadav said the police action “revealed the true face of Haryana Police”. Yadav tweeted, “They (farmers) were opposing the visit of CM Khattar and other BJP leaders to Karnal. This is the real face of Haryana Police.”