Rahul Gandhi Calls Injured Protester, Punjab Govt Acts Against Cops

The alleged custodial assault of a protester in Punjab has taken a political turn after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi spoke directly to the injured man. The call was made during a hospital visit by Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, who facilitated the conversation with Mohanjit Singh Sheron.

Sheron is currently receiving treatment at Civil Hospital in Sangrur. Doctors have recorded ten injuries in his medico-legal report (MLR). The incident stems from Sheron's detention during a public event attended by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in Sangrur.

Police said Sheron was spotted about 200-230 metres from the venue holding a black flag and raising slogans. He was removed for verification and later arrested. Officials claim eight FIRs were previously registered against him and that two drug tests returned positive. They also cited a medical examination that recorded no fresh injuries before his production before a Sub-Divisional Magistrate.

However, after Sheron was handed over to his family following intervention by the village panchayat, the MLR at Civil Hospital documented ten injuries. Police have acknowledged a discrepancy between the two medical reports and placed the records under police headquarters' supervision for further examination.

In response to the controversy, the Punjab government has transferred DSP Harwinder Singh. Inspector Partek Jindal, SI Baljit Singh, and ASI Harpreet Singh have been sent to the Sangrur Police Lines with immediate effect.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated that the allegations are being investigated. The incident has emerged as a fresh flashpoint between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party and the opposition Congress in the state.