Punjab sanitation workers strike after Barnala police lathi charge

On July 24, police in Barnala, Punjab allegedly used a lathi charge on sanitation workers during a protest. In response, about 25,000 workers from 166 municipal bodies across the state began an indefinite strike, halting waste collection and causing garbage buildup in cities.

Union leader Gopal Thapar demanded the suspension of the SHO, DSP Satveer Singh and SSP involved, and called for cases to be filed under the SC/ST Act. The state government suspended DSP Satveer Singh with immediate effect, a move described by officials as an initial step. Political figures, including former AAP MLA Gurmeet Singh Mehta, condemned the incident and urged further action. Workers say the suspension alone will not end the protest and continue to demand a full inquiry and stricter measures against the officials concerned.