Sikh Youth Alleges Torture & Assault by Panjab Police; NHRC Takes Notice

September

2026

A political row has erupted following allegations of assault and torture of a Sikh youth and anti-drug activist, Mohanjit Singh, after he waved a black flag at Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann during a public program held in Sheron village, Sangrur district on 2 Sep. Mohanjit climbed onto the rooftop of a house near the venue and waved a black flag at the CM while raising slogans over the government’s failure to tackle the continuing drug menace. Police removed Mohanjit from the rooftop and took him into custody at Sunam police station where he was allegedly tortured for over an hour. He was subsequently arrested and produced before a court in Sangrur. During his court appearance, Mohanjit alleged that he was tortured in custody and subjected to electric shock, and that a Deputy Superintendent of Police-rank officer was involved in the torture. Mohanjit also alleged that police struck his waist with a wire brush and poured salt on the wounds, hit him on the head with shoes, disrespected his beard and hair, and removed and tore his kachhera (article of Sikh faith, long shorts). He claimed the police gave him a substance that resulted in a positive dope test too. Sri Akal Takht Sahib (Eternal Throne) Jathedar (leader), Kuldip Singh Gargajj, demanded strict action against the police officers accused of torturing Mohanjit and allegedly desecrating his kakaars (articles of Sikh faith). Panjab Indian National Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa approached the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), seeking an independent and time-bound inquiry into the allegations. Bajwa said that if the allegations were found to be true, the incident would constitute a serious violation of fundamental rights, including the right to life, dignity, personal liberty, and freedom of peaceful expression. Taking notice, the NHRC on 5 Sep directed the Panjab Chief Secretary to conduct an inquiry into the matter and submit a report within two weeks. The Panjab Government has ordered the transfer of Deputy Superintendent of Police Harvinder Singh and three other police personnel from Sunam. Meanwhile, a report submitted by Panjab government’s Prisons Department to the Punjab and Haryana High Court has revealed that an alarming 45% of inmates in the state’s total 25 jails are drug addicts. The report states that of the total 35,449 inmates lodged in these prisons, 15,678 are registered with Out-Patient Opioid Assisted Treatment Clinic (earlier coverage).