Patiala Clashes: Three Arrested, Patiala Cops Identify 'Principal Conspirator'

Singla was removed from the party after clashes broke out between two groups in Patiala on Friday

A clash broke out between two groups in Punjab's Patiala during a protest against the Khalistan movement on Friday, 29 April, following which the police fired shots into the air to disperse the crowd.

(Photo: PTI)

Harish Singla, the sacked Shiv Sena leader who was arrested after he led the anti-Khalistan protest in Punjab's Patiala on Friday, 29 April, has been sent to a two-day police custody, reported news agency ANI.

Patiala's new SSP Deepak Parik said that the police had identified 24 accused and formed special teams to arrest them, adding that two other accused have been arrested as on Saturday, 30 April.

"As more video evidence and statements come in, we nominate more accused; their numbers will rise," he said.

Singla was removed from the post of party's Punjab working president after clashes broke out between Shiv Sena (Hindustan) cadre and Sikh activists in the state's Patiala on Patiala.

Mobile internet services were suspended in the city from 9.30 am to 4 pm on Saturday, 30 April.

Further, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had ordered the transfer of inspector general of police Rakesh Agarwal, SSP (senior superintendent of police) Nanak Singh, and SP (superintendent of police).

Mukhwinder Singh Chhina was appointed as the new IG Patiala, Deepak Parik appointed as the new SSP Patiala, and Wazir Singh has been appointed as the new SP of Patiala.

Meanwhile, Patiala Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney on Saturday said that the situation was under control.

She added, "Mobile internet services are temporarily suspended today to stop rumour-mongering. FIRs filed in three instances. On the basis of evidence gathered from video footage action will be taken," news agency ANI reported.

Further, IG Patiala Rakesh Agarwal said that they have appealed to the public to maintain peace.

"We are negotiating with them to control it (on a demonstration by a Hindu organisation). Cross FIRs filed, the law will take the accused to task," he added.

New IG-Patiala MS Chhina said that Patiala Police had registered six FIRs in connection to the clashes. He identified the two other accused who had been arrested as Kuldeep Singh Danthal and Daljit Singh, naming Barjinder Singh Parwana as the "principal conspirator" behind the clashes.

The IG stated that Parwana had a criminal background and would be arrested soon.

The government said in its mobile internet suspension order that it was suspended since “there is likelihood of tension, annoyance, obstruction or injury to persons, danger to human life and property, disturbance of public peace and tranquility” within the limits of Patiala.

Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Union minister Anurag Thakur said on Saturday, "Even before polls, questions were raised about intentions and capabilities of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Their connections with people were questioned too. Punjab CM is spending more time outside the state. Centre and BJP wants peace and brotherhood in Punjab," ANI reported.

Strict Action Will Be Taken Against Those Jeopardising Punjab's Peace: Kejriwal

Commenting on the development, Delhi CM and AAP's national convenor Arvind Kejriwal told ANI, "Strict action will be taken against those jeopardising Punjab's peace."

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, meanwhile, said that peace prevails in Patiala as of now. "Shiv Sena, Congress, and Shiromani Akali Dal were there and their workers clashed with each other. Police officials have been transferred and peace committee meetings are being conducted," he said.

Speaking about the peace committee meeting held in Patiala on Saturday, Deputy Commissioner of the city, Sakshi Sawhney, said, "Everyone wants the communal harmony of Patiala to continue as has happened so far. It was a good meeting."

SSP Parik announced that the curfew had been lifted and internet services restored, as the Peace Keeping Committee's meeting had instilled confidence among people and "everyone wants peace," reported ANI.

What Had Happened?

Hours after a clash broke out between two groups in Punjab's Patiala during a protest against the Khalistan movement on Friday, 29 April, Shiv Sena leader Harish Singla, who was allegedly behind the rally, was arrested by the Punjab Police.

The decision was taken after a high-level meeting conducted by Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann.

Shiv Sena (Hindustan) cadre and Sikh activists had clashed near the Kali Mata temple in the city, after the Sena's anti-Khalistan rally was allegedly countered by a march by the Sikh activists. The march had been taken out from the Gurudwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib.

Singla had earlier been expelled by the Shiv Sena, who said that his actions had nothing to do with the party. Section 144 was also imposed by the District Magistrate from 7 pm on Friday till 6 am on Saturday.

After the clashes broke out, the police had fired shots into the air to disperse the crowd.

One station house officer (SHO) was initially reported to be injured in the violence. Later, Patiala SSP Nanak Singh informed that four people were injured in the incident.

Later on Friday, the National Commission of Minorities (NCM) had written a letter to the chief secretary of Punjab over the clashes between the two groups in Patiala district and sought a detailed report on the matter within a week.

(With inputs from ANI.)