New Delhi: 'Masked man' who appeared with farmers alleging attempts being made by agencies to disrupt the farmers’ agitation has now taken a U-turn and claimed that he was coerced by agitators to give a prepared statement. ALSO READ | Modi vs Mamata In Bengal Today To Celebrate Subhash Chandra Bose's 125th Anniversary
In a video, as reported by news agency ANI, the man can be seen claiming that he was beaten by agitators repeatedly and then was asked to give a statement as directed by them. He adds that he made up a story about police asking him to form a team of 10 men to cause chaos on Republic Day.
In this video, he says that he lied to save himself while wanting to reveal the truth to the police. The video is yet to be validated by the police.
Talking about the matter, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar stated that the Police are interrogating the masked man who appeared at farmers' press conference and nothing can be said until the investigation is completed. All usual security arrangements are in place for Republic Day programs, he assured.
ALSO READ | Farmers At Singhu Border Present Person Who Alleged Shootout Plot To Disrupt Agri Protest
Farmers at Singhu border had presented the masked man before the media a person on Friday alleging a plot to shoot four farmers’ leaders and cause disruption during the farmers' tractor march on January 26.
The talks between police and farmers’ leaders over the proposed January 26 tractor rally in the national capital remains inconclusive as both parties remained rigid on their stand. The unions on their part put the ball in the court of the ruling dispensation and said it was the responsibility of the government to maintain peace.
The 11th round of talks between the Centre and the farmers' unions in the national capital is also reported to have reached a deadlock after farmers turned down the government's offer to suspend farm laws for 1.5 years.
(With Agency Inputs)