ASI suspended, investigation on in radicalsdera clash

PATIALA: Three days after a group of Sikh hardliners clashed with Sirsa-based Dera Sacha Sauda followers over holding of ‘naam charcha’ at Marauri village in Samana, ASI Mewa Singh has been suspended for ‘unprofessional conduct’. He was posted at Mavi Kalan police station that had jurisdiction over the area in which clash happened.

“The clash could have been prevented, had the ASI acted swiftly. He mishandled the situated and was late in reaching the spot,” said SSP S Bhoopati, adding, he did not even call for reinforcement. DIG, Patiala range, Sukhchain Singh Gill, has directed the SSP to get an investigation done by SP (investigation) Harwinder Singh Virk.

Meanwhile, Sikh radical organisations sought release of their members, police had detained on Sunday. Protesters claimed that a 14-year-old son of a member and a12-year-old were also detained.