DSP among 35 securitymen hurt in clash with protesters
Situation turned ugly when policemen tried to stop protesters from advancing towards Delhi
FATEHABAD : Around 35 security personnel, including a deputy superintendent of police (DSP), were injured on Sunday when Jat protesters allegedly pelted stones at them after cops stopped a tractor-trailer near Dhani Gopal village in this district while advancing towards Delhi in response to a call by All India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti (AIJASS).
Police resorted to lathicharge following which the protesters set two police buses ablaze.
Talking to mediapersons, Fatehabad superintendent of police (SP) OP Narwal and said, “The Fatehabad police only stopped the tractor-trailer which was heading towards Dhani Gopal at Kheri police naka. Some youths who were carrying sticks and sharp-edged weapons attacked the cops, forcing the police to take action. Police used mild force to maintain the law and order.”
He added, “Some youths who were under the influence of alcohol burnt two police buses and started pelting stones which they were carrying in the tractor-trailer. Around 35 security personnel, including DSP Gurdayal Singh, received injuries in the incident. Of them 16 were admitted to hospital, while the others received minor injuries. I also suffered an injury on my thumb.Police will book the culprits soon.”
The injured were rushed to Bhuna health centre for treatment, from where the DSP Singh was shifted to Agroha Medical college.
Some local mediapersons, identified as Amit Rukhaya, Bajrang Meena, Jaspal Singh and Ramesh Bhatt, also suffered injuries as Jat protesters attacked them and damaged their cameras and mobile phones. After the clash, the Haryana Roadways diverted buses going from Fatehabad to Chandigarh via Bhuna. ‘SITUATION UNDER CONTROL’ SP Narwal said, “Besides police pesonnel, jawans of paramilitary forces have been deployed in the area and the situation is under control. We have also interacted with the panchayat members of the village and directed them to keep a strict vigil at the spot.”
Hisar deputy commissioner (DC) Nikhil Gajraj also held a meeting with village panchayat members and directed them keep an eye on the situation.
AIJASS state spokesperson said, “Jat protesters were heading towards the protest site when police lathicharged on them. We have requested our people to protest peacefully.”