Patiala Clashes: Mobile Internet Temporarily Suspended, Punjab Govt Transfers 3 Police Officials
GG News Bureau
Patiala, 30th April. Mobile internet facilities have been temporarily suspended on Saturday in Patiala of Punjab, where clashes broke out between two groups on Friday in which four people were injured.
Three senior police officials have also been shifted in connection with the violence incident on the orders of chief minister Bhagwant Mann.
CM Bhagwant Mann has directed the transfer of Inspector General of Police (IG) Patiala range, Rakesh Aggarwal, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Patiala, Nanak Singh and Superintendent of Police (SP) Harpal Singh with immediate effect, according to a spokesperson from the chief minister’s office.
Administrations imposed a curfew in the district on Friday till 6 am on Saturday after clashes broke out near the Kali Devi Temple in Patiala city on Friday afternoon as members of two groups pelted stones and brandished swords at each other.
Police personnel were deployed to bring the situation under control. Two policemen were among those injured.
On Saturday morning the Punjab government temporarily suspended mobile internet services from 9:30 am to 6 pm in the city today. “… 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 district Patiala due to the recent law and order events,” an official order read.
By stopping the spread of misinformation it is necessary “to thwart the designs and activities of anti-national and anti-social groups/ elements and maintain peace and communal harmony and to prevent any loss of life or damage to public/private property,” the order said. “
(i) Mobile internet services (2G/3G/4G/CDMA) (ii) all SMS services and (iii) all dongle services etc. provided on mobile networks except voice calls in the territorial jurisdiction of the District of Patiala from 9:30 am to 6 pm on April 30,” the official order said.
After the clashes the Shiv Sena on Friday expelled its Punjab unit working president Harish Singla who had led a rally in Patiala on Friday after which clashes broke out in the city.
Harish Singla was later detained in connection with the incident.
Local residents say the situation is peaceful and devotees continue to visit the temple today.
Patiala Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney confirmed the development and said that one person has been arrested with regard to the clashes.
She said, “FIRs have been lodged and raids are underway. We appeal to the public to maintain peace. From 9.30 am to 6pm today, mobile internet services will remain temporarily suspended as a step of abundant caution by the government. One person has been arrested.”
Patiala’s Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Nanak Singh told reporters on Saturday that the police and administration will share factual information and no misinformation should be believed in the said incident.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has ordered an investigation into the incident and said that strict action will be taken against those behind the violence.
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