Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission Chairman Shri Jasvir Singh Garhi today visited the Civil Hospital, Barnala, to enquire about the health of sanitation workers who sustained injuries during the recent lathi-charge incident.
During his visit, the Chairman met nearly a dozen injured sanitation workers undergoing treatment at the hospital and sought a detailed report from the Health Department Barnala, regarding their medical condition and ongoing treatment.
Speaking to the media, Shri Garhi termed the lathi-charge on sanitation workers in Barnala as highly condemnable. He said the incident occurred on July 22, following which the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission took suo motu notice of the matter on July 23 based on media reports. He added that the concerned DSP was placed under suspension on July 24.
The Chairman informed that the Commission has sought a detailed report from the Barnala Police by July 28. The Sanitation Workers' Union has also been asked to submit its statement before the Commission. He said all facts and evidence would be thoroughly examined to ensure that the affected sanitation workers receive complete justice.
Shri Garhi said sanitation workers perform an indispensable public service under extremely challenging conditions and discharge their duties with dedication and commitment. He said his visit was aimed at personally assessing the condition of the injured workers.
Noting that nearly a dozen sanitation workers remain hospitalised, he said their medical reports have been examined and detailed inputs have been obtained from the treating doctors to ensure that every aspect of the case is duly considered.
Responding to media queries, Shri Garhi stated that the injured sanitation workers would not have to spend a single penny on their treatment or diagnostic tests. He directed the district administration to ensure that the patients receive all necessary medical care without any inconvenience.
Earlier, Shri Garhi chaired a meeting with members of the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission at the residence of Commission Member Shri Rupinder Singh Seetal. The meeting was attended by Commission Members Shri Gulzar Singh and Shri Gurpreet Singh.
Addressing the meeting, the Chairman reiterated that the Commission's foremost objective is to ensure timely justice for victims belonging to the Scheduled Castes. He emphasised that atrocities against members of the Scheduled Castes cannot be tolerated under any circumstances and directed that such cases be dealt with promptly and with utmost sensitivity.
Sanitation Workers' Union President Shri Gulshan Kumar was also present during the Chairman's visit to the Civil Hospital. Shri Garhi also visited the District Administrative Complex, Barnala, where he held a review meeting with Deputy Commissioner Barnala Harpreet Singh, IAS, and Senior Superintendent of Police Shri Mohammad Sarfaraz Alam, IPS.
During the meeting, he reviewed the progress of the case and reiterated the Commission's direction to the Barnala Police to submit a comprehensive report by July 28, enabling the Commission to examine all facts thoroughly and ensure justice for the affected sanitation workers.