Viral video shows police chief instructing to crack heads of protesting farmers

Karnal: Following the clash between Haryana police and protesting farmers earlier in the day, a video has surfaced on social media showing Karnal's Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Ayush Sinha issuing instructions to "crack their heads". The instruction was given to police officers dealing with protesting farmers. The farmers were protesting near the Bastar toll plaza against police brutality on other farmers in Karnal. He is seen in the video instructing police officers not to allow farmers to go beyond the barricade.

"It is very simple and clear. Whoever he is, wherever he is from, no one should be allowed to reach there. We will not let this line be breached at any cost. Just pick up your lathi and hit them hard... It's very clear, there is no need for any instruction, just thrash them hard. If I see a single protester here, I want to see his head smashed... crack their heads," Sinha said, as reported by The Quint.

The farmers blocking roads were lathi-charged by the police, severely injuring several farmers on the head, upper body and legs. The Samyukt Kisan Morcha slammed the police for their "brutal actions". They have also demanded the dismissal of Sinha for his "completely illegal" instructions.

Sinha responded, blaming stone-pelting by protesting farmers for the statement. He said that the statement was made to "use force proportionately".