Lubber Pandhu sentenced to 5 years in prison over his role in the 50,000-strong farmers' protest that turned violent in Delhi in January 2021

A Delhi court on 9th September, 2023 sentenced to 5 years in prison Lubber Pandhu, a resident of Samana in Patiala, Punjab for his role in the violence that took place on 26th January, 2021 during a farmers' protest against the farm laws in Delhi.

The court found Pandhu guilty of being part of a mob that entered the Red Fort and hoisted a religious flag on its ramparts. He was also found guilty of rioting and damaging public property.

The court, in its order, observed that Pandhu was an active participant in the violence and had played a key role in inciting the mob. The court also noted that Pandhu had a previous criminal record, which included convictions for rioting and assault.

The sentencing of Pandhu is the latest in a series of convictions in connection with the violence that took place during the farmers' protest in Delhi. In August 2023, a Delhi court had sentenced two men to life imprisonment for the murder of a police officer during the violence.

The farmers' protest, which began in November 2020, was against three farm laws passed by the Indian government. The farmers argued that the laws would harm their livelihoods and lead to corporate control of the agricultural sector. The protest culminated in a massive rally in Delhi on 26th January, 2021, which turned violent after some protesters entered the Red Fort and clashed with police.

The violence left one person dead and several others injured. The government later repealed the farm laws in response to the protests.