Arrest warrants issued against 25 farmers in PM Modi’s 2022 security lapse case

New Delhi: Three years after the security lapse during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Punjab, the case has resurfaced with a court issuing arrest warrants against 25 farmers.

The charges now include serious sections such as attempt to murder under Section 307 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The updated charges, revealed through court summons, also include Sections 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant), 341 (wrongful restraint), 186 (obstructing public servant), 149 (unlawful assembly), and Section 8-B of the National Highway Act. Initially, the case had been registered under Section 283 of the IPC for obstructing a public way.

The incident occurred on January 5, 2022, when Modi was en route to Ferozepur to address a rally and pay homage at the Hussainiwala memorial. Due to bad weather, his convoy traveled by road, where farmers protesting on the route blocked access.

Modi’s convoy was stranded on the Pyareana flyover for about 20 minutes before returning to Bathinda Airport. Modi later remarked to airport officials, “My thanks to your Chief Minister that I could reach Bathinda Airport alive.”

Police sources said that the court ordered the farmers’ arrests after they failed to appear for hearings. The accused have been instructed to be presented before the court on January 22.

The FIR names 26 people, including BKU (Krantikari) general secretary Baldev Singh Zira and other farmer leaders and members. One of the accused, Major Singh, has died, while action has been intensified against the remaining 25.