Teargas, lathicharge as Sikh protester clash with police, DSP, ASIs among injured

Ambala SP Ajit Singh Shekhawat said DSP Virender Sharma was attacked with a sharp-edged weapon, suffering sharp injuries to his hand, following which the police resorted to a mild lathicharge to clear the highway. He accused the protesters of mounting a “murderous attack” on the DSP and several other policemen. “We will lodge an FIR after identifying them,” the SP said.

Earlier in the day, the protesters gathered near Gurdwara Panjokhra Sahib in Ambala demanding that a case be registered against Ludhiana-based Mand, alleging that he attempted to run over certain individuals with his car on August 7. Mand was later allegedly assaulted by a mob in which he sustained minor injuries and his car was damaged. Two security personnel were also injured while attempting to protect Mand during the confrontation.

Police later arrested two persons in connection with the alleged attack on Mand. They were produced before a court on Wednesday and sent to judicial custody. Sikh community members are also demanding their release.

As Sikh community members started gathering at the gurdwara, a large police force was deployed near the shrine and barricades were erected. Before attempting to block the highway, the protesters held a meeting, which also attended by representatives from various organisations.

Police said an FIR was registered under relevant provisions of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against Mand. However, the protesters remained firm on their other demand that no action be taken against the individuals accused of attacking Mand.

The protesters broke through one set of barricades installed on NH-344, but were stopped at a second set of barricades. As they tried to push through, police fired teargas shells. Meanwhile, another group reached the Ambala-Amritsar Highway and staged a dharna, leaving several trucks and other vehicles stranded.

SP Shekhawat said multiple rounds of talks were held with the protesters to persuade them to open the highway, but there was no headway. He alleged that some “mischievous elements” in the crowd were carrying spears, sharp-edged weapons, swords and axes and began attacking policemen after darkness set in.

The police officer said the protesters also allegedly snatched the keys of trucks that were stuck in the blockade, to prevent the clearance of the highway. “We moved to clear the highway after the policemen were attacked. At least five to six policemen have received injuries and have been admitted to hospital,” he said.

The SP said one of the most serious incidents involved a tanker caught in the traffic jam. Protesters allegedly snatched the tanker’s keys from its driver and attempted to take it away. “We repeatedly requested them to allow the tanker to be shifted from the spot so that no accident takes place. But some mischievous elements ran away from the spot after snatching the tanker’s key,” he said.

Shekhawat said the protesters’ demand for registration of an FIR against Mand had been accepted, but they continued to add to their demands.

DGP Ajay Singhal said the police resorted to lathicharge after someone from the crowd allegedly began pelting stones. He said three to four policemen had also suffered head injuries.

On the other hand, local farmer leader Tejveer Singh said several protesters had also sustained injuries in the incident. The injured included Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) president Jathedar Jagdish Singh Jhinda.

Mand, who is under Central paramilitary protection, was allegedly attacked following a confrontation with a group of youths when he attempted to drive his car through a route crowded with devotees heading towards the shrine. The incident occurred as devotees were visiting the gurdwara to mark the birth anniversary of Guru Harkrishan, the eighth Sikh Guru.

Mand later alleged that the attack was planned. However, HSGMC chief Jhinda accused Mand of violating the shrine’s protocol by driving his car through a lane meant for pedestrians when it was heavily crowded with devotees. Jhinda had also alleged that Surinder Singh had remained trapped under Mand’s vehicle for nearly 10 minutes.

Ambala Cantt Deputy Superintendent of Police Kuldeep Singh had confirmed that the injured youth had been admitted to a private hospital with two fractures. “The investigating officer had visited the hospital on Saturday, but he did not give his statement to the police. We will take action as per the rules after recording the statement of the injured,” the DSP said recently.

DGP Singhal visited the Military and Civil hospitals to meet the injured police personnel, a police statement said.

Inspector General of Police Pankaj Nain, Deputy Commissioner Sachin Gupta and Sub Divisional Magistrate Kanika Goyal also visited the hospitals.