It is learnt that the Haryana government has commenced the process to quash the first information reports (FIRs) that were registered against the farmers during the course of the recently concluded farmers’ protests.

Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Rajeev Arorahas reportedly wrote a letter to the district magistrates to withdraw the FIRs.

“You are requested to send your comments on FIRs registered against farmers in Haryana during farmer agitation from 09.09.2020 to till date, along with full facts, stage of the case and specific recommendation whether the FIR registered so, can be withdrawn in public interest along with independent opinion/report of District Attorney/Superintendent of Police concerned to the Government immediately,” the letter was quoted.

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In the Vidhan Sabha’s Winter Session, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar informed that as per the police records, 276 cases have been registered during the farmers’ agitation so far. 

“Of these, four cases are registered under serious offences. Out of 272 cases, chargesheet has been prepared in 178 cases. As many as 158 cases are still untraceable. The cancellation report of eight cases has been prepared and a cancellation report of four cases has been filed,” the chief minister said.

“ The process of cancellation of 29 cases is going on. The state government will withdraw all the cases registered against farmers except cases involving heinous crimes such as rape, murder, etc,” he added.

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In his response to a question on farmer’s compensation, the Chief Minister  was quoted, “At present, talks are going on with the farmers. According to the CID report, the post-mortem of 46 farmers has been done. During interaction with farmers, it has been found that the number of deceased farmers from Haryana is 73. Investigation in this matter is still going on. The decision regarding compensation will be taken only after holding discussions.”

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