Bathinda: Punjab Police carried out early morning raids at the residences of several farmer leaders ahead of a planned protest in Bathinda, escalating tensions between authorities and farm unions.
According to sources, police teams conducted searches at multiple locations and reportedly attempted to place some farmer leaders under house detention to prevent mobilisation for the protest.
In Gidderbaha’s village Mallan, police raided the residence of farmer leader Bittu Mallan. However, he was not present at home at the time of the raid.
The protest call has been given by Bharatiya Kisan Union Ekta Ugrahan, which plans to stage a demonstration outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Bathinda, demanding the release of detained farmer activists. In view of the protest, more than 1,500 police personnel have been deployed across the city. Heavy security arrangements have also been put in place on roads leading into Bathinda to prevent large gatherings.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, police personnel reached the residence of Chamkaur Singh Ghanurki, Block Nabha Secretary of Bharatiya Kisan Union Ekta Azad, around 4:30 am to detain him. A large number of farmer leaders gathered at the spot soon after.
Farmers reportedly surrounded the six police personnel inside the house, leading to a tense situation. Later, the Station House Officer (SHO) and the Nabha chowki in-charge arrived at the scene and facilitated talks with the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Nabha. Following discussions, an understanding was reached between the farmers and the police.
The situation in Bathinda remains tense but under control, with authorities maintaining heightened security across the district.
