Hansi police and district administration on Monday night carried out a crackdown on protesters in Chanot village to remove a T-joint illegally installed on the Bhakra pipeline. Officials defended the use of lathicharge and tear gas shells, stating the operation was conducted at night to avoid public confrontation.
Officials Justify Midnight Operation
IGP Kuldeep Singh and SP Vinod Kumar said the T-joint was installed illegally, and a case has been registered. “We have identified about six persons, some of them residents of the village who have been members of the dharna committee, along with other unknown persons, and have started an investigation,” said IGP Kuldeep Singh.
Administration Promises Water Supply
Hansi Deputy Commissioner Rahul Narwal stated the administration is ready to provide water supply to the village through a dedicated pipeline from the Rajli head or any suitable point. “Some of the protesters are insisting on getting water from the pipeline meant for Hansi town under the AMRUT scheme. We are committed to addressing the grievance regarding water supply to the village,” he said.
Villagers Allege Excessive Force
The dharna by villagers continues in Chanot village as they claim police used excessive force. “We were happy that the issue was resolved after a government representative, Somesh Kumar, arrived two days ago with the message that the villagers’ demand had been accepted. He also took the T-joint, JCB machine, and other workers who fitted the six-inch T-joint in the Bhakra pipeline to supply water to Chanot village,” said the protesting villagers.
Former Sarpanches Association President Weighs In
Sumesh Kumar, a former president of the Haryana Sarpanches Association, again reached the dharna site and claimed he was instructed by senior officials of the government in Chandigarh to get the T-joint installed and had not taken such a decision on his own. He said if the issue is not resolved by June 25, he would disclose the names of the senior officials who sent him to Chanot village to install the T-joint as per villagers’ demand.
Police Warn of Trap
Hansi SP Vinod Kumar said the villagers had fallen into a trap set by individuals claiming to be close to the government who got the T-joint installed illegally. “We have been in talks with the villagers and the dharna committee, assuring them that their demands will be resolved. But instead of listening to us, the villagers seem to have fallen into a trap set by some other persons. The police have also booked these persons,” he said.
