Punjab Police arrested Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Manjit Singh Gharchon on Saturday after an old video surfaced showing him brutally assaulting two Dalit youths in Sangrur city. The arrest follows intense pressure from the Dalit community and local authorities.After significant outcry, Gharachon was handed over to Sangrur DSP Manoj Gorsi by fellow farmer union leaders. Reports indicate that Gharachon faces charges under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Sections 341, 323, 325, 148, and 149, along with Section 3(i)(X) of the SC/ST Act, for “beating” and using casteist slurs.#Horrific Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Manjit Singh Gharchon brutally beat up two Dalit youths, feudal people have always oppressed Dalits. pic.twitter.com/r3geuQPAEy— The Dalit Voice (@ambedkariteIND) June 30, 2024Background of the IncidentBKU Ugrahan chief Joginder Singh provided context to the incident, explaining that the conflict began with a verbal altercation between Gharchons son and the Dalit youths. The situation escalated when the Dalit youths allegedly attacked and seriously injured Gharchons son, leading to violent retaliation.Unions Stand on the ArrestJoginder Singh emphasised that the union decided to hand over Gharchon to the police to prevent the incident from being exploited as a “labourers versus farmers” issue. He stated, We have handed over Gharchon to the police so that no one could take advantage by making it a labourers versus farmers issue.The arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing tension between communities, highlighting the serious nature of caste-based violence and the need for accountability.
