Farmers' Protest in Saharanpur Turns Chaotic: Tractors Break Gate, Attempt to Ram ADM

A farmers' protest in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, escalated dramatically on Saturday when protesters broke the gate of the Collectorate and allegedly attempted to run a tractor over Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Archana Dwivedi. The incident caused chaos, with heated confrontations between farmers and police.
The Protest
The farmers, led by the Kisan Mazdoor Sangathan and its district president Thakur Ajab Singh, had arrived at the Collectorate to submit a memorandum of demands. Farmers from Nanuata traveled on tractors to the Collectorate, but police barred their entry, citing prior instructions that only pedestrians could enter.
When the gate was closed to prevent tractors from entering, farmers became agitated. They reportedly drove tractors into the gate, breaking it and forcing their way inside. ADM Archana Dwivedi narrowly escaped injury as a tractor passed dangerously close to her, touching her foot.
ADM’s Response
An angry ADM Dwivedi confronted the farmers, demanding the names of the tractor drivers and those responsible for breaking the gate. She expressed frustration, stating, “What are we supposed to address when you are trying to run us over with tractors? This is unacceptable.”
Police Action and Farmers' Accusations
The situation worsened as police intervened to control the protest. Farmers alleged that the police resorted to lathi-charge, leading to further tensions. Prince Rana, district vice-president of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangathan, accused the police of misconduct, claiming, “We came only to submit our memorandum, but the police misbehaved and started beating us. These false allegations of gate-breaking and attacks are an attempt to suppress farmers. Is democracy only about using batons against farmers?”. He added, “We didn’t break the gate; it was shut on us. We will not tolerate this mistreatment and will fight back.”
Police Investigation
Saharanpur City SP Abhimanyu Manglik confirmed the incident, stating that two tractors forcibly entered the premises, breaking the gate, and attempted to ram ADM Dwivedi.
Manglik said, “We had informed the farmers beforehand that tractors were not allowed inside. Despite assurances from their leaders, some protesters broke the rules. Based on video and photographic evidence, we are identifying the drivers and will take strict action.”
Leaders Respond
District president Thakur Ajab Singh denied knowledge of who broke the gate, stating, “We were inside the Collectorate as planned. We respect ADM Dwivedi, and no harm was intended. This situation is being exaggerated.”
ADM Dwivedi confirmed that leaders Ajab Singh and national president Puran Singh Rana were informed beforehand about the restrictions, which they had agreed to follow. She added, “Despite assurances, two tractors broke the gate and forced their way in. This behavior cannot be tolerated.”
Current Situation
The administration has launched an investigation using videos and photos from the scene to identify those responsible. The police have assured strict action against anyone found guilty of misconduct.
Meanwhile, the farmers have vowed to continue their agitation until their demands are addressed, accusing the administration of heavy-handedness. This chaotic protest highlights ongoing tensions between farmers and authorities, raising questions about protest management and the farmers’ demands in a democratic framework.
ADM अर्चना द्विवेदी पर हमला सम्विधान पर हमला है।
— Mohit Bharat (@MohitBharatYBP) December 21, 2024
यह गुंडई बन्द होनी चाहिए।
सहारनपुर pic.twitter.com/f0lwp0ujIc