Punjab Police Lathi-Charge ITI Job Aspirants Protesting Outside PSPCL Headquarters in Patiala, Several Injured

• WhatsApp
• YouTube
• X
• Instagram

Tension gripped Patiala on Friday as Punjab Police used force to disperse a group of unemployed ITI-qualified candidates who had been staging a prolonged protest outside the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) headquarters, demanding employment opportunities and recruitment transparency. The situation escalated dramatically when protesters intensified their agitation by blocking multiple entry points to the Powercom head office, leading to a confrontation that ended with a police lathi-charge and several injuries.

For days, the ITI-qualified candidates had been camped outside the PSPCL headquarters, pressing the state government and power utility officials to address their long-pending demands related to jobs and apprenticeship opportunities. Protesters alleged that despite completing their technical qualifications and apprenticeship training, many of them had been waiting for employment for years without any concrete response from authorities.

The demonstration initially remained peaceful, with candidates raising slogans, holding placards, and demanding direct dialogue with government representatives. However, frustration among the protesters grew as their demands remained unresolved. According to eyewitnesses, the agitation took a more aggressive turn when demonstrators blocked the main entrance of the PSPCL headquarters and later shut down another key access point, disrupting movement in and around the office premises.

Officials said repeated attempts were made to persuade the protesters to clear the entrances and allow normal operations to resume. Negotiations reportedly continued for several hours, but no breakthrough was achieved. As the standoff dragged on, police personnel deployed at the site moved in to remove the protesters and restore access to the headquarters.

Videos circulating on social media showed chaotic scenes as police personnel pushed back demonstrators and used batons to disperse the crowd. Several protesters were seen running from the spot while others fell during the scuffle. Some candidates claimed they suffered injuries during the police action and accused the administration of suppressing their democratic right to protest.

The police, meanwhile, maintained that action became necessary after repeated warnings failed to yield results. Officials argued that the prolonged blockade was affecting public movement and disrupting the functioning of a key government utility. They stated that law and order had to be maintained and that the roads and entrances needed to be cleared to prevent further disruption.

The incident quickly triggered a political reaction across Punjab. Punjab Congress President and Member of Parliament Amarinder Singh Raja Warring visited Rajindra Hospital in Patiala, where injured protesters were receiving treatment. During his visit, Warring met the affected candidates, listened to their grievances, and expressed solidarity with their demands.

Brutally beating 2600 ITI-qualified apprenticeship youths for demanding jobs exposes the reality behind Bhagwant Mann government’s tall claims.

If lakhs of jobs have really been provided, as advertised through crores worth of hoardings and publicity, then why are Punjab’s… pic.twitter.com/55Ch48n6UB

— Amarinder Singh Raja Warring (@RajaBrar_INC) June 5, 2026

Speaking to the media after meeting the injured youths, Warring criticized the state’s handling of the protest and questioned the use of force against unemployed candidates seeking jobs. He assured the injured protesters that the Punjab Congress would stand by them in their fight for justice and employment opportunities. He also urged the government to engage in meaningful dialogue with the agitating candidates instead of resorting to police action.

The lathi-charge has once again brought the issue of unemployment and recruitment delays into sharp focus in Punjab. Over the past several years, job aspirants from various sectors have repeatedly taken to the streets, alleging delays in recruitment processes and a lack of adequate employment opportunities despite possessing technical qualifications and training.

As political parties exchange accusations and protesters continue to demand answers, the incident is likely to intensify the debate over youth employment in the state. For the injured candidates recovering in hospital beds, however, the immediate concern remains securing the jobs they say they have been waiting for far too long.

With tensions still simmering, all eyes are now on the Punjab government and PSPCL authorities to see whether fresh talks can defuse the situation and provide a lasting solution to the concerns raised by the protesting youths.