Barnala: National Safai Karamchari Commission Vice Chairman Hardeep Singh Gill has sought strict action not only against the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) but also against the Duty Magistrate posted during the Barnala lathicharge incident involving sanitation workers. He directed the Barnala Deputy Commissioner (DC) to ensure a fair inquiry, stating that preliminary findings indicate negligence on the part of the Duty Magistrate as well.
During his one-day visit to Barnala, Gill chaired a high-level meeting with Deputy Commissioner Harpreet Singh, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), the Civil Surgeon and other senior district officials at the DC office to review the incident and the subsequent administrative response.
He instructed the SSP to submit a copy of the Daily Diary Report (DDR) registered in connection with the lathicharge, along with the list of police officers and personnel deployed at the site on the day of the incident, to the Commission without delay.
Administration Asked to Bear Medical Expenses
Gill directed the Deputy Commissioner to reimburse all medical expenses already incurred by the injured sanitation workers and ensure that the district administration bears the full cost of their treatment. He also asked the Social Security Department to expedite the process of providing compensation to the injured employees.
During the meeting, the Commission also heard the views of sanitation workers’ union leaders and representatives of the Valmiki community. Gill observed that the situation could have been avoided if the High Court’s directions regarding waste collection had been communicated to the workers and their union in advance, either in writing or verbally.
Hospital Visit and Review of Medical Care
Later, Gill visited the Civil Hospital in Barnala to meet the injured sanitation workers. He reviewed their medical records, assessed the treatment being provided and sought the medical reports of the 13 workers admitted to the hospital.
He also directed hospital authorities to make the non-functional X-ray machine operational within 24 hours to improve medical services.
Commission to Continue Monitoring the Case
During his visit, Gill also met sanitation workers protesting at the Municipal Corporation office and listened to their grievances and demands. He later visited a Valmiki temple, where he interacted with members of the community.
Addressing the media, Gill said the National Safai Karamchari Commission would continue monitoring the case until justice is delivered to the affected sanitation workers. He noted that the Supreme Court has issued clear guidelines to state governments regarding the safety, welfare and dignity of sanitation workers, and warned that officials found violating these directives would not be spared.
He further informed that the Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) has already submitted a report on the incident to the Commission. The Commission had earlier taken suo motu cognisance of the matter and issued notices to the Punjab Chief Secretary and the DGP seeking a detailed report.