Shubhkaran Singh, a 21-year-old farmer from Bhatinda, passed away on Wednesday during clashes between the police and protesting farmers at the Khanauri border. Twelve police officers were also hurt in the confrontations.
The head doctor at Patiala’s Rajindra Hospital, H S Rekhi, mentioned that Shubhkaran Singh had a head injury, but the exact reason for his death will be confirmed after a post-mortem examination. Officials say he died from a gunshot wound.
According to witnesses, the police used rubber bullets and tear gas, while the farmers countered with stones and sticks. The Haryana police claim the protesters threw chili powder on crop residue and set it on fire around the security personnel at the Khanauri border.
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AAP leader Balbir Singh and Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal criticized the police actions, with Badal accusing Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann of colluding with Haryana against Punjab farmers.
Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa asserted that Shubhkaran Singh died from a rubber bullet fired by the police. The exact cause of death remains unconfirmed.
Shubhkaran Singh, a hardworking contract farmer, hailed from Balloh village in Bhatinda. Raised by his grandfather after his parents’ divorce, he had two sisters and owned two acres of land. Shubhkaran was involved in farming and activism, having participated in the 2021 farmers’ agitation. He aimed to get his younger sister married after his elder sister’s marriage.
His father, suffering from mental illness, was the family’s primary earner. Shubhkaran arrived at Khanauri on February 13, working in the kitchen and taking part in the protests. Local villagers are caring for his livestock as his family copes with the loss.
