Row erupts after Sikh Man says arrested, tortured in custody for showing black flag to Punjab CM

A 37-year-old Sikh man, Mohanjeet Singh, was arrested after allegedly displaying a black flag and protesting against Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's drug management claims during a program in Sangrur district on September 2, 2021. According to Mohanjeet, he was violently beaten and tortured by police in custody, leading to injuries and forced hair and beard removal.

Mohanjeet, who has a history of battling drug addiction, claims his family members were also threatened to keep him quiet about his alleged abuse. Police, however, stated they were investigating the allegations and described Mohanjeet as potentially under the influence of drugs when detained. An inquiry has been launched, and Mohanjeet was subsequently released on bail after his family's intervention.

Opposition leaders have condemned the incident, claiming it violates fundamental human rights and democracy. The incident has drawn attention from political figures, including the Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal and Congress state president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, who have also sought intervention from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).