Jalandhar, April 5: Leaders of Opposition parties have flayed the state government over the registration of FIRs against more than 4,000 persons in Doaba for April 2 bandh over the alleged dilution of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
The leaders of the SAD, BJP and the BSP have said that while Congress leaders themselves announced to support the bandh and also came out in large numbers, the state police went on to lodge FIRs for protests on highways.
The police have so far not named the persons booked, but intend to use video recordings to nominate the persons who squatted on roads and obstructed the highways.
Jalandhar rural SSP Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said: “We have booked 1,000 persons, but haven’t named anyone so far. But we have proof. It is mandatory for us to file the FIR. We will soon start investigating the matter and identify the agitators.”
J Elanchezhian, SSP, Hoshiarpur, said two FIRs had been lodged – one in Dasuya and another in Tanda, and 500 persons each had been booked.
The FIRs have been lodged under Sections 145 (joining an unlawful assembly), 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 283 (danger or obstruction in public way or line of navigation), 431 (mischief by injury to public road, bridge, river or channel) and relevant sections of the National Highways Act.
SAD spokesperson Pawan Tinu said: “The CM had thanked people for keeping the protest peaceful, which meant there was no violence. So, if the government admits that there was nothing wrong, why the FIRs?
”BSP state president Rachhpal Raju said: “The government has adopted double standards. If the cops nominate any of us, we will hold more protests.”Congress SC cell chief and MLA Raj Kumar Chabbewal said: “I am not aware of the FIRs.
If it has been done, it is wrong. I presume it must have been done to counter PILs usually filed later in the courts.” Jalandhar MP Chaudhary Santokh Singh said: “I will be back from Parliament on April 6 and will take up the matter with the police.”
Source Tribune India
