Archive · 31 Jul 2026
Punjab sanitation workers call bandh after lathi‑charge
In Punjab, India, sanitation workers were upset after police used batons on them in Barnala on July 22.
They decided to stop all markets and shops for a day, a move called a bandh.
The workers marched with black flags and brooms, asking the government to punish the police.
Hospitals and emergency services stayed open.
Because of the protest, the police officer who led the baton charge was suspended and a special investigation team was set up.
Sanitation workers in Punjab called a state‑level bandh after police used a lathi‑charge in Barnala on July 22.
The bandh shut markets and commercial establishments in Barnala, Hoshiarpur, Sangrur, Tarn Taran, Samana, and other towns, but hospitals and emergency services stayed open.
Workers, led by union president Karanjot Adiya, marched with black flags and brooms, demanding action against the police officers involved.
The protest was supported by employee unions and Dalit organisations, and a heavy police presence was deployed to maintain order.
Following criticism, Punjab police suspended Deputy Superintendent Satvir Singh and set up a special investigation team.
- Who
- Sanitation workers, union leaders, Punjab police
- What
- State‑level bandh protest after a police lathi‑charge
- When
- July 22–30, 2023
- Where
- Punjab, India (Barnala, Hoshiarpur, Sangrur, Tarn Taran, Samana)
- Why
- Demand action against police officers involved in the lathi‑charge
- Event
- Sanitation workers' bandh in Punjab
- Date
- July 22–30, 2023
- Location
- Punjab, India
- Trigger
- Police lathi‑charge in Barnala
- Outcome
- Deputy Superintendent Satvir Singh suspended; investigation team formed
