Arhityas halt paddy purchase after altercation with cop

The commission agents across the state went on strike and stopped the purchase in mandis after an altercation between the police officials and the president of the Federation of Arhtiya Association, Punjab Vijay Kalra, at Makhu today. The problems were resolved amicably after the intervention of senior police officials. Sources said two police officials who had entered into any argument with Kalra were suspended.

While talking to The Tribune, Kalra said today one of his clients had brought the paddy to the grain market. “Since there was no availability of space, I told them to keep the paddy on a vacant place that has been designated by the government for common use,” he said. He added that meanwhile, another commission agent, who was a close friend of an AAP MLA, complained regarding this to the police. Kalra said within no time, Makhu SHO Tarandeep Singh reached the spot and misbehaved with him.

Kalra said he felt he was being disrespected by the SHO, adding that thus, he bought the matter into the knowledge of senior police officials. The altercation caused all commission agents across the state to stop work and go on a strike, causing the purchase of paddy at grain markets to come to a halt. Many of Kalra’s supporters reached Makhu and blocked the Bathinda-Amritsar National Highway.

Ranjit Singh Jossan, District President, Rice Millers Association, said they had received the message from the state president that few police officials had misbehaved with him. “We request the state government to avoid such incidents to ensure a peaceful environment and smooth procurement,” he said.

The Makhu SHO, Inspector Tarandeep Singh, refuted the allegations. He said, “I was informed that someone has illegally kept the paddy on government land.” He added that he requested Kalra not escalate the matter.

SSP Saumya Mishra along with other officials reached Makhu and held a meeting with Kalra, following which he withdrew the strike call.