‘You’ll be beaten blue from head to toe’:Morena police officer caught on camera threatening farmers protesting over highway project

A video from Morena district has surfaced showing Mata Basaiya Police Station in-charge Arun Kushwah threatening farmers protesting against the Green Field Highway project. In the clip, he is heard warning, “If you misbehave with the police, you will be beaten black and blue from head to toe.” The incident took place on Saturday night. After the farmers protested the survey team, one of them was taken to the police station, which led to more farmers gathering there. Police have registered a case against eight farmers, while others have warned of a protest on Tuesday, demanding Kushwah’s removal. Dispute over land compensation The conflict centres on low compensation for farmland being acquired for the Agra–Gwalior Green Field Highway. According to farmer leader Ram Prakash Gurjar, the government is offering only Rs 3 lakh per bigha, while the actual value is between Rs 30 lakh and Rs 50 lakh per bigha. He said that such low rates will financially ruin farmers and that the acquisition process is being carried out forcibly. Farmer detained during protest On Saturday, a highway survey team visited Dongarpur Lodha village for land measurement. Local farmers opposed the survey, citing unfair compensation. Following the protest, the team called the police. Station In-charge Arun Kushwah arrested farmer Ashok Rajput and took him to the police station. When other farmers heard of his arrest, they gathered at the station and stayed there until late night. Eventually, the police released Ashok. Video shows TI threatening farmers During the confrontation, Kushwah threatened the farmers inside the station. In the video, he is heard saying, “Ask about me in the Devgarh police station area. If you behave properly, you’ll be safe. But if you misbehave, you’ll be beaten black and blue. We’ve called you here, and you’re telling the police to come instead? The project is for development. You will have to give up some land.” Police version of events Station In-charge Arun Kushwah claimed that the farmers had scuffled with the survey team and damaged their belongings. He said an FIR has been filed against eight people, and one person was arrested but later released on bail. Kushwah said the farmers were advised to approach the Collector if they had grievances, but not to obstruct work on the project. Farmers plan protest Farmer leader Ram Prakash Gurjar accused Kushwah of misusing his power and intimidating farmers. He said, “Look at the hooliganism of the police in-charge. He is threatening farmers instead of helping them. On Tuesday, we will protest and submit a memorandum to the Collector and SP. If the TI is not removed within seven days, we will take to the streets. The administration will be responsible for the consequences.” ​