Over 700 activists, academics, artists, and organizations across India have issued a scathing open letter to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, condemning the “brutal custodial torture” of women farmer leaders Harinder Bindu and Paramjit Kaur Pitho. The letter demands immediate legal action against the Punjab police personnel involved and comprehensive support for the victims.
The incident occurred on April 5, 2025, in Bathinda, during a protest by teachers of Adarsh Senior Secondary School over unpaid salaries and illegal retrenchments. Harinder Bindu, convenor of the Mahila wing of BKU Ugrahan, and Paramjit Kaur, who were supporting the teachers, were allegedly targeted by police. The letter details harrowing accounts of violence, stating, “The DSP, the SHO and two women SIs… thrashed them brutally and kept repeating that the ‘bones of these farm leaders should be broken so that they are never able to step up to the podium and make speeches.’” It further notes that Bindu was slapped repeatedly, causing “eardrums to swell, resulting in significant hearing loss,” while Kaur, who informed officers of her spinal condition, was “particularly hit on her back” with threats to confine her to bed permanently.
The letter, endorsed by luminaries like Arundhati Roy, Indira Jaising, Vrinda Grover, and Medha Patkar, expresses “profound anguish and distress” at the police’s actions, describing them as “an attempt to humiliate, intimidate and silence brave and vocal women farmers union leaders.” It highlights that the victims were denied water, washroom access, and proper medical examination, with the medical officer refusing to note evidence of torture. The activists condemn the lack of action, stating, “Till date no action has been taken” despite a complaint filed on April 13 with the Senior Superintendent of Police, Bathinda.
The signatories demand “strict and prompt legal action, including registration of FIR / criminal case against the concerned police personnel” for offenses like attempt to murder, grievous hurt, and custodial torture. They also call for the immediate suspension of the involved officers, an investigation by an external police branch, and “appropriate medical, psycho-social, legal and financial assistance” for the victims. Additionally, the letter urges the government to address the teachers’ demands, act on a committee report probing the school’s mismanagement, and make its findings public, emphasizing, “The Government must respect the rights of farmers, teachers and workers unions, and engage in honest dialogue with them.”
The activists hope the AAP government, elected amid the historic farmers’ movement, will “sincerely and seriously consider all these demands and ensure prompt legal action” to restore public trust in the rule of law.
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