Lagatar24 Desk
Patiala, April 30: After tensions erupted in Punjab’s Patiala on Friday as Shiv Sena and pro-Khalistani protestors clashed, reports of FIRs being lodged and raids being underway are coming in.
On Friday, the two groups clashed by throwing stones and wielding swords. The incident forced police to open fire in the air to calm the scene near the local Kali Devi Temple.
Right-wing groups have declared a citywide bandh in the aftermath of the incident, and have demanded the arrest of individuals who attempted to enter the temple and threw stones around the premises.
According to news agency ANI, after the incident, Punjab government has transfered the Inspector General of Police (IG) Patiala range, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) and Superintendent of Police (SP) with immediate effect.
Mukhwinder Singh Chinna has been appointed as the new IG, Deepak Parik as new SSP and Wazir Singh has been appointed as the new SP of Patiala.
Meanwhile, Department of Home Affairs, Government of Punjab announced that mobile internet services will be temporarily suspended from 9:30 am to 6 pm in the city today.
Harish Singla, a Shiv Sena leader, was detained in connection with the event. According to locals, the atmosphere is calm, and devotees continue to visit the temple.
“Peace and calm should be maintained. The situation is under control. FIRs filed in three instances. On the basis of evidence gathered from video footage, action will be taken,” said the Patiala Deputy Commissioner.
Notably, the violence occurred after Shiv Sena led a “Khalistan Murdabad March” and sparred with a group of Sikh activists, including some Nihangs.
After the incident, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann called a high-level meeting of police. Later, the CM announced that he had launched an investigation into the incident and that strict actions will be taken against the culprits.
