Punjab Man Allegedly Tortured After Showing Black Flag to CM Mann, Police Deny Claims
· India · Indian Express, The Guardian
A 37-year-old Sikh man from Sheron village in Punjab’s Sangrur district was arrested on September 2 after displaying a black flag and raising slogans during Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s Lok Milni programme. Mohanjeet Singh, who has been vocal against Punjab’s drug policies, claims he was brutally tortured in custody, alleging beatings, disrespect to his hair and beard, and salt being sprinkled on his wounds. Police have ordered an inquiry into the allegations but stated he had tested positive for drugs and faced eight prior FIRs for serious offences. Mohanjeet, a father of two, was booked under Sections 126 and 170 of the BNSS and released on bail on September 3, later admitted to hospital. His family reportedly faced threats to silence him.
Why it matters
The allegations of custodial torture raise serious concerns about law enforcement practices in Punjab, potentially eroding public trust in police accountability. Mohanjeet’s activism against drug policies also highlights tensions between dissent and state response, affecting marginalised communities and free speech in the state.
Read the original report — Indian Express
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