Kurukshetra: A high-voltage protest in Haryana’s Kurukshetra took a dramatic turn on Wednesday when Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Gurnam Singh Charuni allegedly slapped a senior government officer during a heated exchange, leading to his immediate detention by police.
The incident occurred outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office, where hundreds of farmers had assembled to protest delays in the procurement and lifting of paddy. According to eyewitnesses, the situation intensified when Gurnam Singh Charuni, who was addressing the crowd while riding a tractor trolley, suddenly approached Rajesh Arya, the District Food and Supplies Controller (DFC), and slapped him during an argument.
Arya was in the midst of discussions with farmers and officials when the confrontation took place. The unexpected move sparked chaos at the protest site. Security personnel quickly intervened and took Charuni into custody, attempting to defuse the tense atmosphere.
Following the incident, additional police forces were deployed in and around the mini secretariat to maintain order. Authorities have confirmed that surveillance has been heightened and the situation remains under control for now.
Farmers and law enforcement now find themselves at odds, with emotions running high. Several protesting farmers were also detained and transported away from the site in police vehicles, reportedly to undisclosed locations. Estimates suggest over two dozen individuals have been picked up so far.
The BKU has long voiced concerns about procurement delays, claiming that administrative lapses have left farmers stranded with unsold crops and mounting losses. Wednesday’s escalation, however, marks a significant flashpoint between farmer groups and the district administration.
No official charges have been announced yet, but senior police officials say legal action will follow based on the findings of the initial inquiry.
As the day unfolded, farmer leaders condemned the police response and called for the immediate release of detained protesters, vowing to continue their agitation until their demands are addressed.
