A complete bandh was observed in Boha town in Mansa district on Monday after the body of 52-year-old Multi-Purpose Health Supervisor Bhupinder Kumar Bhinda was recovered from the Bhakra Canal on Sunday, triggering protests and demands for a fair investigation.
Shops and business establishments remained closed in response to the bandh call given by local groups. Residents have also launched an indefinite protest, demanding a fair and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Bhinda, who was posted in Boha, had gone missing under mysterious circumstances on Friday evening. His body was later recovered from the Bhakra Canal near Makhewala village.
Bhinda’s father, Tarsem Raj, earlier told The Tribune that the family had submitted a complaint to the police naming Budhlada MLA Budh Ram, along with three others, of allegedly pressuring him. The other individuals named in the complaint include employees Jagtar Singh and Aman Kaur posted at the Ayushman Arogya Kendra (formerly Aam Aadmi Clinic) in Boha, and one Hari Singh.
According to the family, Bhinda left home on Friday evening without informing anyone and had not carried his mobile phone. His motorcycle was later found near the canal.
The family has alleged that Bhinda was under mental stress and pressure leading up to his disappearance. They have demanded legal action against all those named in their complaint.
However, Budh Ram has denied the allegations. The MLA stated that he had only spoken to Bhinda regarding an issue and had neither threatened nor pressured him. He also claimed that he had supported Bhinda and had even facilitated his transfer from Jhunir to Boha.
Police said a suicide note had also been recovered, though contents have not been officially confirmed. The matter is under investigation.
The body has been kept at the mortuary of Budhlada Civil Hospital, and a post-mortem examination is yet to be conducted. Security has been tightened in Boha town as a precautionary measure amid ongoing protests. Some political leaders are also expected to join the demonstartors.
