Farmers clash with police over Haryana murder

A group of protesters demanding the arrest of all accused in the murder of a dairy operator clashed with police on Saturday when they were trying to force their way towards the state-level Independence Day function in Haryana's Hansi.

The scuffle left farmers and police personnel, including Hansi Superintendent of Police Vinod Kumar and a deputy superintendent rank officer, injured.

The protesters, comprising activists of farmers' bodies, had given a call to hold a demonstration at the venue of the Independence Day event where Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini unfurled the tricolour to press for the arrest of all the accused in the murder of dairy operator Jeevan.

Jeevan was allegedly murdered on August 4. While seven suspects have been arrested, the protesters have been demanding the arrest of the alleged main accused, Ramesh Sharma, who is absconding.

Heavy security arrangements were made by police at many places in Hansi in the wake of the protest call, police said.

According to police, farmers, who came on tractors and other vehicles, clashed with cops at two to three places when they were prevented from heading towards the event at the Government College ground in Hansi.

Police resorted to lathi-charge to disperse protesters, who also allegedly pelted stones.

Hansi SP Vinod Kumar sustained an injury when a stone hit his hand. Other police officials, including a DSP and an inspector, were also bruised.

Kumar was seen covering his injury with a handkerchief to stop bleeding. He later said that many protesters have been detained.

The murder occurred on the morning of August 4 when some people allegedly attacked Jeevan, a dairy operator, in Surya Nagar in Hisar district.

Jeevan was on his way to dispose of dung, towing a trolley with his motorcycle, when a group of about 10-12 youths from the neighbourhood surrounded him. They beat him up with sticks and clubs, leaving him unconscious, police said.

His family rushed the critically injured Jeevan to a nearby hospital, where he passed away during treatment. Hisar Police had earlier said that it was making continuous efforts to apprehend the absconding accused.

A reward of Rs 50,000 has been announced to help the arrest of the absconding accused.