Freelance journalist from Delhi, Mandeep Punia, who had ‘exposed’ the role of BJP in the violence that broke out at Singhu border near the National Capital on Friday (January 29) was allegedly thrashed and later detained by the police late on Saturday night.

Mandeep Punia was allegedly thrashed and detained by the Delhi Police just hours after he went live on Facebook, ‘exposing’ the alleged nexus between the Delhi Police and BJP workers, who caused large-scale violence at the farmers’ protest site on Friday.

Punia, shared ‘evidence’ that ‘establishes’ links between the perpetrators of violence on Friday and ruling BJP in the Centre.

Punia had alleged, “A mob comprising 50-60 people arrived carrying the Tricolour. They began abusing farmers and threatening to teach them a lesson. Soon, they started pelting stones.”

“2,000 cops were just providing them with back-up. The mob were pelting stones while the Delhi Police provided them with back-up. They even hurled petrol bombs and attempted to burn tents accommodating women protesters,” Punia alleged.

Delhi Police detained Mandeep Punia, alleging that he had misbehaved with a station house officer (SHO) at the Singhu border.

A purported video of the incident shows a group of policemen forcibly taking Punia away.

According to eyewitnesses Mandeep Punia was brutally beaten up by the police and was taken to the Alipur Police Station.

The police has lodged an FIR against Mandeep Punia.

Meanwhile, following the detention of Mandeep Punia, support and call for his immediate release flooded social media.

Swaraj India leader Yogendra Yadav said, “I have known Mandeep to be a passionate and committed journalist. Picking up someone like him, without any legal basis, is another instance of growing threat to free media.”

https://twitter.com/priyadarshibbc/status/1355614790580752384

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