Controversy in Punjab: FIR Against 43 Farmers Includes Names of Deceased Individuals

A serious administrative error has sparked outrage in Punjab’s Faridkot district. Authorities booked 43 farmers from Sukkhanwala and Qila Nau villages for allegedly tampering with canal outlets (moghas) to siphon excess water for paddy irrigation. The situation escalated when locals discovered that the FIR included names of individuals who died years ago.

### The Controversy
* **Procedural Lapse:** Farmers claim the police and irrigation department filed the FIR without proper verification. Families of the deceased, including that of the late Baldev Singh (who passed away 8 years ago), have expressed deep distress and anger over the inclusion of their loved ones in a criminal case.
* **Accusations:** The Irrigation Department alleged that the accused tampered with canal bricks and infrastructure to redirect water illegally. However, farmers and community leaders argue the process was flawed.
* **Wider Claims:** Besides the deceased, allegations have surfaced that the list includes individuals who sold their land years ago or are currently residing abroad.

### Official Response and Political Backlash
* **Administrative Inquiry:** Following a representation by the affected families, Faridkot Deputy Commissioner Rahul Chaba has ordered a formal investigation by the XEN and SSP, promising that no innocent person will face wrongful prosecution.
* **Political Criticism:** Opposition leaders, including former MLA Kushaldeep Singh Dhillon and Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, have slammed the state government. They have labeled the action as 'politics of vendetta' and demanded the immediate quashing of the FIR, citing the gross negligence shown in the investigative process.

### Current Status
The case is under investigation by the district administration. The outcome of this probe is highly anticipated, as it will determine if the inclusion of deceased names was a result of departmental negligence, systemic database failure, or deliberate malice, which could lead to accountability for the officials involved.