A protest by contractual roadways employees in Punjab’s Sangrur district turned violent on Friday, leaving a police Station House Officer (SHO) severely injured after being set on fire. What started as a routine demonstration escalated dramatically when agitators reportedly carried petrol bottles and hurled fuel at police personnel during a confrontation.
SHO’s Statement Forms Core of FIR
Inspector Jasvir Singh, posted as the SHO, stated in his complaint that protesters sprinkled petrol directly on officers, causing his uniform to ignite instantly. Fellow policemen managed to extinguish the flames and rushed him to hospital with burn injuries.
FIR Registered, 10 Protesters Booked
Sangrur Police have filed an FIR against ten accused, invoking Section 109 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for attempted murder. Investigators are reviewing video footage and identifying others involved, indicating that more arrests could follow.
How the Protest Turned Violent
The roadways workers were staging a demonstration demanding regularisation and better job security when a section of the crowd became aggressive. The presence of petrol bottles shocked authorities, who are now probing whether the attack was spontaneous or pre-planned.
Security Heightened, Senior Officials Review Situation
Following the assault, additional police forces have been deployed across Sangrur to prevent further disturbances. Senior officials met the injured SHO on Saturday and assessed the ground situation.
The probe will determine whether this was a deliberate assault on law enforcement during a public protest — a factor that could escalate the legal consequences for the accused.
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