Tribune News ServiceBathinda, September 30
In an unprecedented move, which could have far reaching consequences, members of the local Arhtiya (commission agent) Association, today boycotted the procurement of paddy in protest against the alleged implication of 13 commission agents in a false criminal case by the police.
The association has also warned the district administration that if corrective measures were not taken in the three days, the boycott would spread in whole of Mansa district. Mr Satpal Singh, vice-president, Arhtiya Association told TNS, that the association, at a meeting here today, decided not to procure paddy till the false criminal cases registered against 13 commission agents were withdrawn.
He added that the use of derogatory remarks by the Station House Officer (SHO) local police station, against the commission agents and other prominent citizens were also flayed at the meeting.
He alleged that criminal cases against the commission agents were registered under a well-planned conspiracy as those booked were talking to Station House Officer (SHO) in the police station while the violence took place in the local hospital.
He said the association also condemned the mild lathi charge by the police on the commission agents who were standing about 100 yards away from the police station. The association had also demanded the transfer of the SHO, Mr Paramjit Singh and the registration of a criminal case against him.
Mr Paramjit Singh, SHO, when contacted, said they commission agents booked in a criminal case had first beaten up a commission agent, Mr Kulwant Singh in the grain market. After that they started beating up Mr Kulwant Singh, father of Mr Kushwant Singh in the local hospital. He was rescued by a police party led by him. He denied having used derogatory remarks against anyone. Meanwhile, the police authorities have instituted an inquiry into the incident. Senior police officials, including DSP(D) and DSP(City), Budhlada will hold the inquiry.
