Patiala clash: Two more arrested, cops identify mastermind; top cops shunted out; internet, messaging services restored

Addressing reporters here, the new inspector general of police of Patiala range, Mukhwinder Singh Chhina said police have identified Barjinder Singh Parwana, a resident of Rajpura in the district, as the main accused and one of the masterminds of the Friday incident.

Meanwhile, three top police officers of Patiala district were transferred on Saturday, a day after violent clashes broke out between members of Shiv Sena (Bal Thackeray), who had called for an “anti-Khalistan” march, and Sikh activists and Nihangs outside the Kali Mata temple.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann transferred the Inspector General of Police (IG), Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) and Superintendent of Police (SP) of Patiala with immediate effect. In an order, Mann replaced them with Mukhwinder Singh Chinna (IG), Deepak Parik (SSP) and Wazir Singh (SP).

The authorities have restored internet and messaging services in Patiala. The internet and messaging services were suspended following the clashes.

A government notification read, “Whereas, there is likelihood of tension, annoyance, obstruction or injury to persons, danger to human life and property, disturbance of public peace and tranquillity within the limits of district Patiala due to the recent law and order events… I, Anurag Verma, IAS, Principal Secretary, Home Affairs & Justice, do hereby order suspension of the (i) Mobile internet services (2G/3G/4G/CDMA) (ii) all SMS services and (iii) all dongle services etc. provided on mobile networks except voice calls from 9.30 am to 6 pm on 30th April 2022.”

Saying the measure was taken to “thwart the designs and activities of anti-national and anti-social groups/elements and maintain peace and communal harmony and to prevent any loss of life”, the order added: “It has become necessary to take all necessary steps and measures to maintain law and order due to unavoidable circumstances in the Patiala district in public interest, by stopping the spread of misinformation and rumours, through various social media platforms, such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, etc. on mobile phones and SMS, for facilitating and/or mobilization of mobs of violent/volatile nature who can cause serious loss of life and/or damage to public/private property by indulging in arson/vandalism and other types of violent activities.”

An 11-hour curfew had been imposed in Patiala from 7 pm on Friday after the police fired several rounds in the air to avert the clash. The incident was the first major law-and-order incident in the state under the new AAP government. While the CM called for an “immediate probe” and directed officials to ensure that those guilty are not spared, the Opposition Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal criticised the state government for what they described was “anarchy”.

An 11-hour curfew was also imposed in Patiala from 7 pm on Friday after the police fired several rounds in the air to avert the clash. (Express Photo By Harmeet Sodhi)

The incident, which saw stone-pelting and brandishing of swords, had injured at least four people, including two policemen.

Day after Patiala clashes, Fatehgarh Sahib district on alert

Security has been beefed up in Fatehgarh Sahib district with police personnel being deputed at sensitive areas. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dr Ravjot Grewal said they were monitoring the situation closely and there were no issues in the district. She added that she had directed all the station house officers in the district to keep an eye on anti-social elements.

Fatehgarh Sahib is a stronghold of Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) and the party’s president Simranjeet Singh Mann lives here. It is considered a sensitive district.

Is Punjab CM capable of handling law & order: Anurag Thakur

Hitting out at the AAP over violence in Patiala, I&B Minister Anurag Thakur wondered who was in-charge of law and order situation in the Punjab as Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann “spent more time outside the state”.

“There is a breakdown of law and order in Punjab. The chief minister is spending more time outside the state. We do not know who is looking after the law and order in the state,” Thakur told reporters here. He was responding to questions about the clashes that took place in Patiala over an “anti-Khalistan march” in which at least four persons were injured.

“Is the Punjab government and Chief Minister capable of controlling the situation? Will strict action be taken against those who tried to disrupt the harmony and brotherhood in Punjab,” Thakur asked. The BJP leader demanded to know what kind of ideology was the AAP trying to promote in Punjab.

(With inputs from ENS, PTI)