4 FIRs filed in connection with Patiala clashes; internet suspended amid calls for bandh

Mangalore Today News Network

Patiala, April 30, 2022: Tension has gripped Patiala after two groups clashed outside a Kali Mata temple during an anti-Khalistan rally and at least four, including two policemen, were injured. Stones were pelted and swords were brandished amidst the altercation.

 

In the wake of the violence, right-wing outfits have threatened a citywide bandh and sought the arrest of those who tried to enter the temple and pelted stones near the premises.

Here are the top developments around the Patiala clashes:

1. Hindu organisations have given the call for a Patiala Bandh and are demanding the arrest of “Khalistani supporters” after clashes broke out in the city over a “Khalistan Murdabad March" on Friday.

2. In the wake of the Patiala bandh call, Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Nanak Singh met with Akhil Bhartiya Hindu Suraksha Samiti head Giri Ji Mahraj in his office.

3. So far, four FIRs have been lodged in connection with the clashes, Patiala SSP Nanak Singh said on Saturday.

4. After an 11-hour curfew, mobile internet services have also been snapped in Patiala. According to the government order, all mobile internet and SMS services will remain suspended between 9:30 am and 6:00 pm on Saturday (April 30) to curb the transmission of “inflammatory material and false rumours”.

5. A day after the clash, Patiala Inspector General of Police Rakesh Agarwal was removed from his post.

6. Curfew was clamped between 7 pm Friday and 6 am Saturday in Patiala district. The situation is under control at present. There is heavy deployment of police personnel to maintain law and order.

7. The Shiv Sena’s Punjab unit’s working president Harish Singla, who was expelled from the party hours after the clashes, has been arrested. Some other party workers have also been suspended for their alleged role in the clashes.

8. The violence erupted after a group which calls itself the Shiv Sena (Bal Thackeray) led a "Khalistan Murdabad March" and sparred with a group of Sikh activists, including some Nihangs. The two groups began sloganeering and throwing stones at each other.

9. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann summoned a high-level meeting of officers after the clash. The CM later said he has ordered a probe into the clash and given strict instructions that not a single culprit is spared.

“Anti-Punjab forces will not be allowed to disturb Punjab’s peace at any cost," he said.

Courtesy: India Today