The death of 19-year-old Sajan Kumar of Lamochar Kalan village in Fazilka under mysterious circumstances on Friday has sparked a massive protest. On the second day of the demonstration today, family members and hundreds of villagers blocked the Fazilka-Ferozepur road near Bhamba Wattu village, placing the youth’s body in the middle.
Protesting villagers alleged that Sajan was tortured to death in police custody at Ghubaya police post on the Fazilka-Ferozepur road, after being accused of stealing sand.
The victim’s parents, Chhinder Kaur and Joginder Singh, said Sajan and his friend Akashdeep had gone to collect sand from nearby areas when the police caught hold of him. They alleged he was taken inside the police post, beaten on his private parts, leading to his death. He was denied even drinking water despite repeated pleas.
Akashdeep, who was with him, said the police separated them and thrashed Sajan mercilessly. He claimed police later dumped both of them on a road near Bhambu Wattu village.
Member of Parliament Sher Singh Ghubaya visited the dharna site, condemned the incident, and called it a “murder”. He sought immediate action against police personnel responsible for Sajan’s death. Villagers also raised slogans against the Mining Department, Punjab Police, and the state government, demanding the arrest of officials they held responsible.
Meanwhile, Fazilka SSP Gurmeet Singh denied the charge, saying the matter involved the youth and mining officials. According to him, Sajan ran to a dhaba to escape the mining team and while trying to jump a wall, fell on a tractor cultivator and died.
DSP Jatinder Singh also claimed police were not involved. He said Sajan’s testicle injuries came from the fall on the tractor cultivator. He added that police were still investigating the matter.
Villagers have declared they will not lift their protest until strict action is taken against the officials responsible.
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