Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) national president Abhay Singh Chautala has strongly condemned the alleged stone-pelting by police personnel, including Hansi Superintendent of Police Vinod Kumar, during a protest against Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini's Independence Day function in Hansi.
Chautala said the alleged action of the police could not be described as legitimate police conduct. He described it as "blatant hooliganism" and a serious violation of the law.
Hansi Police Clash: What Happened During the Protest
The remarks came after violent clashes broke out between the police and protesters in Hansi on Saturday. The protesters had announced their opposition to the CM's programme to register their dissent over the alleged failure of the police to arrest the main accused in the murder of a dairy operator.
According to The Tribune, six cops, including the Hansi SP, were among those affected during the clashes. The situation escalated quickly as tensions ran high between the two sides.
Abhay Chautala's Strong Condemnation of Police Action
Chautala's statement directly targeted the conduct of the police force. He argued that the alleged stone-pelting by officers could not be justified under any circumstances.
"The alleged act of police personnel, including the Superintendent of Police in Hansi, pelting stones at innocent protesters could not be described as police action but amounted to 'blatant hooliganism' and a 'serious violation of the law'." — The Tribune
The INLD leader's comments add to the growing controversy surrounding the incident. Videos from the clash have been circulating, showing the intensity of the confrontation between police and protesters.
Questions Raised Over Police Conduct in Hansi
The incident has raised serious questions about police conduct during protests. Reports indicate that police personnel in civilian clothes were also involved in using force against protesters before Independence Day.
According to NDTV, videos from Hansi show police in civilian clothes using force against protesters. This has led to concerns about whether the police action violated court orders and standard procedures.
The clash in Hansi is part of a larger pattern of unrest. A farmers' committee has also written about the incident, with videos showing the SP hurling stones at protesters and a cop reaching for a colleague's AK-47 to aim it at the crowd, as reported by The Print.
Our Take: Police Accountability Matters
To put it plainly, this incident is deeply troubling. When police officers — the very people tasked with maintaining law and order — are accused of throwing stones at protesters, it undermines public trust in the entire system.
Chautala's use of the term "blatant hooliganism" may sound harsh, but it reflects a legitimate concern. Police forces are expected to de-escalate situations, not escalate them. If officers are seen engaging in the same behaviour they are supposed to prevent, it sets a dangerous precedent.
The fact that the Hansi SP himself is allegedly involved makes this worse. Leadership sets the tone for the entire force. When senior officers act improperly, it sends a message that such behaviour is acceptable.
This incident also highlights the need for clear accountability. The protesters had a genuine grievance — the alleged failure to arrest a murder accused. Instead of addressing that concern, the situation turned violent. Both sides need to answer for their actions, but the police, as the state's representatives, carry a higher responsibility.
Moving forward, there must be a transparent inquiry into what happened in Hansi. The public deserves to know the full truth, and those found guilty — whether protesters or police — must face consequences. Without accountability, such clashes will only repeat.