Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Haryana Director General of Police (DGP) Ajay Singhal, a 1992-batch IPS officer of the Haryana cadre, to personally supervise the ongoing investigation into the August 15 police-protester clash in Hansi, Haryana, emphasising the need for an impartial probe and accountability for those involved.
The direction came from a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Rohit Kapoor while hearing two public interest litigations (PILs) concerning the incident. The court issued its order on November 3, directing the state police chief to oversee the investigation and ensure that it proceeds fairly.
The DGP has also been asked to submit an affidavit detailing the progress of the investigation and the steps taken so far by December 9, 2026, the next date of hearing.
What Has the High Court Directed?
Taking note of the conflicting accounts presented by the petitioners and the Haryana government, the Bench observed that the circumstances required an investigation capable of ensuring justice to all parties.
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The court stressed that investigations involving allegations of police excesses and public violence should be monitored by a responsible senior officer.
The key directions include:
- Direct supervision: The Haryana DGP will oversee the ongoing investigation into the August 15 violence.
- Fair investigation: The police chief must ensure that the probe remains impartial and free from bias.
- Accountability: Those found responsible for the incident must be brought to account.
- Status report: The DGP must submit an affidavit detailing the investigative steps taken before the next hearing on December 9.
The High Court has not ruled on the competing allegations or determined individual responsibility for the violence. Its directions are aimed at ensuring proper supervision of the ongoing investigation.
What Happened During the Hansi Clash?
The incident occurred on August 15, when Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini attended the state’s Independence Day celebrations in Hansi as the chief guest.
The state-level programme coincided with a demonstration by farmers, khap representatives and local residents demanding action in connection with the murder of dairy operator Jeevan Kundu in Hisar.
Kundu was allegedly killed on August 4 in the Surya Nagar locality of Hisar following an attack involving sticks and sharp-edged weapons. The protesters accused the police of failing to arrest the main accused and demanded action against all those involved in the murder.
The demonstrators gathered near the venue of the Chief Minister’s Independence Day programme, leading to a confrontation with the police.
The situation escalated into stone-pelting and a police lathi-charge, leaving several protesters and police personnel injured.
Hansi Superintendent of Police Vinod Kumar and a Deputy Superintendent of Police were among the injured officers.
Police and Protesters Present Conflicting Accounts
The incident subsequently triggered allegations of excessive force and questions over police conduct.
The petitioners before the High Court alleged that police personnel had used excessive force against demonstrators who had assembled to demand action in the murder case.
The Haryana government, however, presented a different account, maintaining that an unruly crowd had turned aggressive and injured the Superintendent of Police and several other police personnel.
Taking note of these competing claims, the High Court emphasised that the investigation must establish the facts without favouring either side.
The matter will now come up for further hearing on December 9, when the court is expected to examine the affidavit submitted by the Haryana DGP and assess the progress of the investigation.
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