Congress MPs Seek NCSC Probe Into Punjab Sanitation Workers’ Lathi-Charge

July 28, 2026

New Delhi: A delegation of Congress MPs on Tuesday submitted a memorandum to the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), seeking its intervention into the alleged police baton charge on sanitation workers belonging to the Scheduled Caste community during a protest in Barnala, Punjab.

The memorandum, addressed to NCSC Chairman Kishor Makwana, alleged that sanitation workers were subjected to excessive police force while peacefully protesting for their pending demands.

Congress Demands Inquiry Into Police Action

The delegation, comprising Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Amar Singh, Dharamvir Gandhi, and Gurjeet Singh Aujla, alleged that instead of addressing the workers’ grievances, the district administration and police resorted to force, leaving several protesters injured.

The MPs requested the commission to seek a report from the Punjab government and the Barnala district administration, conduct an impartial inquiry and recommend legal action against those found responsible.

Raja Warring Holds CM Bhagwant Mann Responsible

Speaking to the media after submitting the memorandum, Raja Warring held Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who also heads the Home Department, responsible for the alleged police action.

Drawing a comparison with the Bargadi police firing case, Warring said that just as political accountability was fixed in that incident, the Chief Minister should also be held accountable for the alleged police excesses against sanitation workers.

Congress to Move Punjab and Haryana High Court

The Congress delegation said the alleged incident raised serious concerns over the constitutional rights, dignity and safety of Scheduled Caste sanitation workers.

Raja Warring also announced that the Punjab Congress would move the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking action against the police personnel involved and justice for the affected sanitation workers.