PTC Web Desk: The Chandigarh Police have registered a case against Akali Dal Waris Punjab De leader and Dakha MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali along with 14 others following clashes that broke out during a protest march towards Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's official residence on Wednesday.

According to the police, the action was taken after protesters allegedly attempted to breach security barricades despite being stopped by security personnel.

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Besides Manpreet Singh Ayali, the FIR names 14 other persons, including Satinderjit Singh Gill, Kabal Singh Bhullar, Parmjit Singh Johal, Chamkaur Singh Dhunn and Iman Singh Khara. The police have launched legal proceedings over their alleged involvement in the incident.

Protest held over Amritpal Singh, Bandi Singhs

The protest was organised by Waris Punjab De supporters, who were demanding the release of jailed Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh and the Bandi Singhs (Sikh prisoners).

As part of the demonstration, party workers marched towards the Punjab Chief Minister's residence in Chandigarh.

Police personnel stopped the protesters near the Chandigarh-Mohali border, where multiple barricades had been installed to prevent them from moving further.

According to officials, a large number of protesters pushed through the barricades, prompting the police to use water cannons to disperse the crowd and bring the situation under control.

Officials also said that several police personnel sustained injuries during the confrontation, with some reported to have suffered serious injuries.

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As per the FIR, police officials had repeatedly informed the protesters that prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) were in force. The protesters were allegedly advised to shift their demonstration to the designated protest site in Sector 25 after obtaining the required permission. However, the FIR states that some party leaders allegedly instructed supporters to break through the barricades and continue marching.

Damage to police vehicle alleged

The police have also alleged that some protesters, who were carrying swords and other traditional weapons, advanced towards the barricades during the confrontation. The FIR further claims that a few protesters climbed onto a water cannon vehicle, damaged its nozzle and assaulted its driver.

Sections invoked in FIR

Following the incident, the Chandigarh Police registered an FIR under Sections 121(1), 132 and 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

These sections relate to voluntarily causing hurt to a public servant to deter them from performing official duties, assault or use of criminal force against a public servant, and disobedience of a lawful order issued by a public servant.

- With inputs from agencies

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