A Few Days Ago in Sangrur, Punjab, an unfortunate unfolded when there was a clash between farmer leaders and the police, resulting in the death of a protester. The incident sparked and various politicians for their political mileage started claiming to suggest that Farmer leader Preetam Singh had died due to a police lathi charge during a peaceful protest. This incident immediately caught the attention of the public and media, setting the stage for a comprehensive fact check. Contrary to the misleading claims, the dead farmer Preetam Singh was not a victim of a police lathi charge. He tragically lost his life when a tractor-trolley, operated carelessly by protesters, ran over him during the clashes. This incident not only claimed Preetam Singh’s life but also left a police inspector severely injured, narrowly escaping the same fate.
Misleading claims were spread by individuals with a history of propagating fake news for their own agendas. Bharat Kissan Union leaders Rakesh Tikait, Anuj Singh, and journalist Ajit Anjum, used false narratives to tarnish the image of the police and stir unrest in the region.
The same video once again became viral recently during the Farmers Protest 2024. A tweet was made by Izlamic Terrorist (“@raviagrawal3“) claiming that the police was crushed with a tractor by the farmers, who were the so called Khalistani Terrorists. The tweet was made on Feb 13, 2024. Ravi Bhadoria (“@ravibhadoria“) tweeted “The Annadatas crushed the policeman with a tractor, you are requested to please do not defame the Annadatas. @_sayema” on Feb 13, 2024. Several other users, including @iAjaySengar, Manoj Singh (“@manojkrs29“), Deepak Sharma (“@SonOfBharat7“), Journalist Archana Tiwari (“@ArchanaaTiwari“) also made the same claim that the video is from the Farmers Protest 2024 and the farmers crushed the Policeman with the tractor. The archive can be read from above.
Actual Sequence of Events:
According to Dainik Bhaskar’s report [archive], the clash took place between Bhartiya Kisan Union Azad leaders and Longowal police. Tragically, a farmer leader lost his life during the confrontation, which had no connection to the demands of the farmers. The clash resulted from attempts to block highways and toll plazas as part of a protest organized by 16 farmer organizations. The farmers were protesting to demand their rights and fair compensation for losses caused by floods.
False Claims Clarified:
Sangrur Police swiftly addressed the misleading claims through their official Twitter account (@SangrurPolice). They clarified that Preetam Singh’s demise occurred due to the reckless operation of a tractor-trolley by protesters, which tragically took his life. The incident also caused serious injuries to a police inspector. The police extended their condolences and shared video evidence to counter misinformation.
Ground Reality:
Our fact-checking dispels the misunderstanding that Preetam Singh’s death was a result of police brutality. Instead, it was a tragic outcome of the chaotic clash between farmer leaders and the police. Reports confirm that the police’s attempt to prevent the obstruction of public spaces led to these clashes, resulting in casualties on both sides. Following comprehensive analysis and meticulous fact-checking, our team has investigated the claim. You can refer to the findings of this inquiry in the Twitter thread embedded below.
Claim: Farmer leader Preetam Singh died due to Police lathi charge during a peaceful protest in Sangrur.
Fact: Preetam Singh tragically lost his life when a reckless tractor-trolley incident occurred during clashes between farmer leaders and the police. This incident had no connection to the police lathi charge.
In our pursuit of accurate and unbiased information, we’ve diligently fact-checked the claims surrounding the incident. Misinformation can sow discord and disrupt communal harmony. Your support matters greatly in our mission to foster an informed and united society. Together, let’s strive to make India and Indians proud, upholding truth and unity. Jai Hind.
