Harsimrat Kaur Badal Seeks Action Against Mansa SSP Over Farmer's Body Removal
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal has written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking permission to raise a breach of privilege and contempt of the House issue against Mansa Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Vaibhav Chaudhary. Her complaint concerns the police action involving the body of Daljit Singh, a marginal farmer from Bhamme Kalan village in Punjab's Mansa district.
Badal alleged that police personnel forcibly took Daljit Singh's body from his family without their consent while relatives and villagers were attempting to take it to a protest site. She also raised concerns about the reported removal of Daljit's father, Jarnail Singh, by uniformed police personnel and questioned whether the family had been informed about his whereabouts.
The complaint has brought renewed attention to the circumstances surrounding Daljit Singh's death, the family's allegations and the police response to the protests in Mansa.
Harsimrat Badal Writes to Lok Sabha Speaker
In her communication to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Harsimrat Kaur Badal sought permission to raise a question of breach of privilege and contempt of the House under Rules 222 and 223 of the Lok Sabha's Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business.
She specifically questioned the conduct of Mansa SSP Vaibhav Chaudhary during their interaction on October 29, 2026. According to Badal, the officer's response prevented her from effectively addressing the family's concerns and carrying out her responsibilities as a Member of Parliament.
Badal requested that the Speaker examine the matter and consider action under the parliamentary privilege procedure. She also sought a report from the Punjab government and requested that relevant records relating to the incident be examined.
Her complaint reportedly included details of her conversation with the SSP. She alleged that the officer repeatedly interrupted her and described the information she presented as incorrect. Badal said the exchange raised concerns about the manner in which the police responded to an elected representative seeking information about a serious public grievance.
Family Raises Questions Over Farmer's Death
Daljit Singh, a marginal farmer from Bhamme Kalan village in Mansa district, died under circumstances that prompted protests by his family and local residents.
The family suspected that his death was connected to drug consumption and alleged that the illegal drug trade had played a role. They demanded an investigation and action against those they believed were responsible.
The family and supporters wanted to take Daljit's body to an ongoing protest site in Mansa, where people were demonstrating over the death of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh, popularly known as Jhota.
The protest was intended to draw attention to the alleged drug problem in the region and demand accountability. However, police personnel intervened and took custody of the body, leading to further tension between the authorities and the protesters.
The family alleged that the police used force and removed the body without obtaining their consent. Badal also raised this allegation in her letter to the Lok Sabha Speaker.
Police Explain Their Action
The police have presented a different account of the circumstances surrounding Daljit Singh's death and the decision to take custody of his body.
According to Mansa SSP Vaibhav Chaudhary, information was received about a body found near a roadside. Police said that initial claims linking the death to a drug overdose were not established and that the investigation indicated the possibility that the body had been dumped at the location.
A murder case was registered, and police identified and arrested suspects in connection with the death. The authorities said the investigation was continuing to establish the circumstances and identify those responsible.
A post-mortem examination was conducted at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Bathinda. The police stated that the precise cause of death would be determined after the necessary medical examination and reports.
The police also justified taking custody of the body on law-and-order grounds amid the protests. The family's allegations and the police explanation remain important parts of the ongoing dispute.
Questions Raised Over Daljit's Father
In her complaint, Harsimrat Badal also highlighted concerns about Daljit Singh's father, Jarnail Singh.
She alleged that uniformed police personnel had taken him away from the premises during the incident and that the family was not given a satisfactory explanation about his whereabouts.
Badal said she questioned the SSP about the father's location and welfare during their interaction. According to her account, the officer did not provide the information she was seeking and suggested that the family could file a missing-person complaint if they did not know where he was.
The MP also claimed that photographs showing Jarnail Singh with police personnel were available. She questioned why the family had not received clear information about his whereabouts.
These claims form part of the broader complaint submitted to the Speaker. The circumstances surrounding Jarnail Singh's reported removal and his whereabouts require clarification from the authorities.
Parliamentary Privilege Complaint Seeks Accountability
Harsimrat Badal's letter seeks to bring the conduct of the police officer before the Lok Sabha Speaker through the parliamentary privilege procedure.
Members of Parliament have certain privileges intended to protect their ability to perform their legislative duties. A complaint alleging interference with those responsibilities can be submitted to the Speaker for consideration under the relevant parliamentary rules.
Badal has asked the Speaker to examine the interaction with the SSP and consider whether the officer's conduct amounted to a breach of privilege or contempt of the House.
She has also sought relevant records, including the FIR, inquest and post-mortem documents, as well as information concerning Jarnail Singh. These records could help clarify the sequence of events and the actions taken by the police.
The submission of a complaint does not automatically establish that a breach of privilege has occurred. The matter would need to be examined through the appropriate parliamentary process before any conclusion or action is taken.
Wider Concerns Over Drug-Related Protests in Punjab
The incident has also drawn attention to continuing public concerns about drug trafficking in parts of Punjab. Daljit Singh's death occurred against the backdrop of protests demanding action over the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota.
The protests have involved residents, farmer organisations and other groups seeking stronger action against drug trafficking and those suspected of being involved in the illegal trade.
The dispute over Daljit's body added another issue to the protests, with the family demanding answers about his death and objecting to the police intervention.
The National Human Rights Commission has also taken cognisance of a complaint concerning the police action and sought an action-taken report from the Punjab government and the state police leadership.
What Happens Next?
The next development will depend on the response of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to Harsimrat Badal's complaint and any subsequent action under parliamentary rules.
The Punjab Police may also face questions about the circumstances in which the body was taken into custody and the concerns raised about Jarnail Singh. The investigation into Daljit Singh's death remains important in determining the facts behind the family's allegations.
For now, the matter involves three key issues: the investigation into Daljit's death, the police action during the protest and the complaint alleging that the SSP's conduct interfered with an MP's responsibilities.
The allegations made by the family and Harsimrat Badal should be distinguished from the police account. The final findings will depend on the investigation, relevant records and any decisions taken by the competent authorities.
