Jan 26 violence: 16 still missing, morcha seeks high-level probe

 Even as 16 protesters are still missing, the Sanyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), a conglomerate of farm unions, has sought a high-level judicial inquiry into the violence that took place during the tractor rally in Delhi on January 26 and the alleged false cases against farmers.

The morcha’s legal committee has asked farmers and others who are getting notices from Delhi police to clarify their position on January 26 happenings, not to go to police directly but inform morcha’s legal panel, which will take up their cases with police and guide them.

Morcha’s five-member committee head Prem Singh Bhangu said on Saturday that they have found out that 122 persons were arrested and sent to Tihar jail. Of these, eight have got bail and two others will be released on Monday on completion of documentation. Bail had been sought for five more persons. The legal committee had initially been informed that 38 people were untraceable, but out of these 22 were found in jail. However, 16 are still missing — 9 from Haryana, one from Rajasthan and 6 from Punjab.

Accusing Delhi police of harassing farmers by keeping many in illegal confinement and sending notices to others, the morcha has demanded that a sitting high court judge oe retired judge of Supreme Court probe the happenings on Republic Day. The morcha is trying to trace farmers who are missing after January 26 and is providing legal assistance to those in judicial custody. The legal team had on Friday visited Tihar jail to find out the state of inmates and to provide financial assistance to arrested farmers.

Bhangu said they have so far got details of only 22 of the 44 FIRs registered by Delhi police in various police stations. The arrest of 122 persons pertains to only 14 FIRs and no arrest has been made so far in 30 FIRs. He also pointed out that various sections including 307 (attempt to murder) have been registered against protesters which are enforced against criminals. Apart from this, sections 395 (dacoity), 397 (robbery or dacoity with attempt to cause death or grievous hurt) have also been mentioned.

Committee member Raminder Singh Patiala said they were filing cases as per age of arrested and as per less severe sections, and will apply for bail of those booked under Section 307 later. “We visited Tihar jail on Friday and met Ranjit Singh of Kajampur village in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, whom a cop had pinned down with his boot on allegations of attacking a SHO, and Ranjit Singh of Tatariewala village in Moga. Both are in high spirits. We have deposited Rs 2,000 each for 113 detainees in Tihar jail for canteen bills; they will get the money on Monday.” He said 150 lawyers are supporting the morcha in giving legal aid. Bhangu said, "We met police commissioner for details, but police are keeping mum. Serious sections have been added to set back the struggle, but we are firm on getting them out of jail."