Ferozepur, April 11: Violence erupted in the town during the Bharat Bandh called in protest against caste-based reservation on Tuesday.
Two groups clashed over forcible closure of shops on the Circular Road here. Members of both groups — one supporting the bandh and the other against it — pelted each other with stones and damaged several vehicles.
Three persons sustained injuries. They were rushed to the local Civil Hospital.
A heavy police force was rushed to the spot and the situation was brought under control. IGP Gurinder Singh Dhillon and SSP Pritam Singh pacified both groups. Dhillon said the police had started investigating the reason behind the clash. “We will check the CCTV footage and after identifying the accused, we will take appropriate action,” the IG said, adding that the role of police would also be looked into and anyone found negligent would be taken to task. He also went to the hospital to enquire about the well-being of the injured.
Earlier in the afternoon, hundreds of people carrying sticks, swords, baseball bats and other weapons forced traders to shut their shops. The situation took an ugly turn when members of a community resisted the move. One of them, identified as Ashok, refused to shut his establishment. Some protesters reportedly attacked him and damaged his shop.
Later, more persons came in support of Ashok and started arguing with the protesters. The situation became tense when the two groups started pelting each other with stones. Several vehicles parked on the road were damaged.
Apart from this incident, the situation remained peaceful in most parts of the district. Shops and commercial establishments remained closed, while banks and offices were open.
The district police registered a case against eight persons by name and some unidentified persons under Sections 307, 452, 232, 148/149 IPC. Activists of various Hindu organisations demanded cancellation of the FIR. Meanwhile, members of the District Bar Association abstained from work in support of the bandh.
News Source: http://www.tribuneindia.com
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