Overview
- Following Saturday's violent highway blockade in Bhawanigarh, police reported heavy stone-pelting that injured three officers and damaged police and private vehicles.
- By Sunday, investigators had filed an FIR naming 30 people and 150 unidentified others under serious charges including attempt to murder, and said 25 suspects were in custody with more raids underway.
- Police say the violence flared after rival AAP camps backed Malwinder Singh Mala and Lovely Kakra for the Bhawanigarh truck-union presidency, with officers alleging Kakra incited a crowd and blocked the road with dozens of trucks.
- Sangrur MLA Narinder Kaur Bharaj criticized police for using force on her supporters and pressed for talks or a formal election, while state minister Aman Arora said anyone who broke the law would face action.
- The union’s leadership carries outsize clout because it organizes hauling for nearby factories in the Channo belt, so control of the post can steer routes, fees, and jobs and now risks deeper legal and party fallout.