In the case of the alleged lathi-charge on sanitation workers in Barnala, the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) has swung into action.
Officials visit to Barnala
The Commission's Vice Chairman Hardeep Singh Gill and a Commission member visited Barnala, where they met the injured sanitation workers, held a meeting with the district administration, and began a detailed investigation into various aspects of the incident. The Commission made it clear that no official or employee found guilty would be spared, and if required, the matter could even be taken to the Supreme Court.
Meeting injured sanitation workers
National Commission for Safai Karamcharis Vice Chairman Hardeep Singh Gill and a Commission member arrived in Barnala from Delhi. The team visited the Government Hospital, where they met the injured sanitation workers and gathered first-hand information about the incident.
The Commission later held a meeting with the district administration, police officials, union representatives, and members of various social organisations to conduct a detailed review of the case.
The Commission stated that it had taken suo motu cognisance of the July 22 lathi-charge and had sought a report from the Punjab Government within seven days. The report submitted by the state government will now be examined along with the Commission's own ground investigation before arriving at conclusions.
“Black day in history”
Vice Chairman Hardeep Singh Gill described the July 22 incident as a "black day in history." He alleged that unarmed sanitation workers, including women and elderly people, were subjected to a lathi-charge, calling the incident deeply unfortunate.
Departmental inquiry on the issue
He said that following the Commission's intervention, the concerned Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) has been suspended, a departmental inquiry has been initiated, and the Station House Officer (SHO) has been transferred and attached to the police lines. The Commission is also investigating who ordered the lathi-charge and under what circumstances the action was taken.
Reports on the matter
According to the Commission, the Director General of Police (DGP), Punjab, has submitted a detailed report of around 20 to 25 pages. Barnala Police has also informed the Commission that a Daily Diary Report (DDR) has been registered in the matter, which may later be converted into an FIR. The Commission has also sought the Medico-Legal Reports (MLRs) of the 13 injured sanitation workers.
Questions to the officials
The Commission questioned officials over why the sanitation workers' union was not taken into confidence if there were prior concerns about a possible law-and-order situation. It also noted that the incident occurred at two separate locations and that every aspect is being investigated thoroughly.
Vice Chairman Hardeep Singh Gill said the Commission's primary objective is to ensure justice for sanitation workers. He emphasised that the Supreme Court's guidelines regarding the rights and welfare of sanitation workers must be followed in letter and spirit. If any violations are found, the Commission will investigate them and, if necessary, approach the Supreme Court.
Quoting PM’s statements on the community
He further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently spoken about respecting sanitation workers and the Valmiki community, adding that no one found responsible in the case would be spared.
During its visit, the Commission also inspected the Government Hospital in Barnala. Officials found that the hospital's X-ray machine was not functioning, prompting the Commission to express serious concern. Calling it a major lapse in healthcare services, the Commission has sought a report from the concerned authorities.