The Punjab Police on Saturday arrested three accused persons in connection with the clash that broke out in Patiala a day ago during a march against “pro-Khalistani elements”, ANI reported.
Senior Superintendent of Patiala Police Deepak Parik told the news agency that 24 persons have been identified as accused. The police will identify more miscreants involved in the violence on the basis of video evidence and statements, Parik said.
The clash had erupted on Friday between members of the Shiv Sena, Nihangs and Sikh activists. The Nihangs, an order of Sikh warriors, had marched towards the city’s Kali Mata temple while shouting “pro-Khalistan” slogans to counter the Shiv Sena’s protest rally.
At least two residents were reportedly injured in the clashes as members of the two sides hurled stones at one another. The police had fired blank shots in the air in an attempt to bring the situation under control.
The three arrested men have been identified as Harish Singla, Kuldeep Singh Danthal and Daljit Singh, Inspector General of Patiala Police MS Chinna told reporters, according to ANI. Singla belonged to the Shiv Sena but was expelled for “anti-party activities”. He has been sent to police custody for two days.
Six first information reports have been filed in the matter. A man identified as Barjinder Singh Parwana has been identified as the mastermind of the incident, Chinna said. Parwana has a criminal background and has earlier been named in four cases, according to Chinna.
Earlier on Saturday, the state government had transferred Patiala’s inspector general of police, senior superintendent of police and superintendent of police, ANI reported.
In new appointments announced on Saturday morning, Chinna was appointed as new inspector general of Patiala, while Parik and Wazir Singh assumed the role of senior superintendent of police and superintendent of police, the Hindustan Times reported, citing a spokesperson of the chief minister’s office.
A curfew had been imposed and mobile internet services suspended in Patiala district from 9.30 am to 6 pm on Saturday. However, internet services were restored at 4 pm, according to The Tribune. The curfew has also been lifted, the senior superintendent of police said.
A peace committee that had been formed after the clashes has assured the administration that tensions will not be allowed to prevail in the city, the inspector general of police said, according to ANI.
Meanwhile, members of the Shiv Sena Hindustan staged a demonstration outside Shri Kali Devi Temple in Patiala on Saturday.
“The Hindus of Punjab are ready to protest,” said a member, ANI reported. “The administration should not underestimate us on the basis of the number of people gathered here.”
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