Patiala: Hindu bodies protest outside Kali Devi Temple
Patiala (Punjab), April 30: A protest demonstration was held on Saturday outside the Shri Kali Devi Temple in Punjab's Patiala, where two groups had clashed the day before, after which the administration imposed a curfew and temporarily shut down mobile internet services.
Yograj Sharma, who is the President of the Shiv Sena Hindustan - the group leading the protest, said, "The Hindus of Punjab are ready to protest. The Administration should not underestimate us on the basis of the number of people gathered here."
Mobile internet services were temporarily suspended on Saturday from 9:30 am to 6 pm, and three senior police officers were transferred on the orders of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
According to a spokesperson from the chief minister's office, Inspector General of Police (IG) Patiala range Rakesh Aggarwal, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Patiala Nanak Singh, and Superintendent of Police (SP) Harpal Singh have all been transferred.
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Authorities imposed a curfew in the district on Friday until 6 a.m. on Saturday after clashes near the Kali Devi Temple, during which members of two groups hurled stones and brandished swords at each other. Police officers were rushed to bring the situation under control. Two police officers were among those injured.
According to Patiala Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney, one person has been arrested in connection with the clashes.
She stated, "FIRs have been lodged and raids are underway. We appeal to the public to maintain peace. From 9.30 am to 6 pm today, mobile internet services will remain temporarily suspended as a step of abundant caution by the government. One person has been arrested."
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has ordered an immediate investigation into the violent incident and said that strict action will be taken against those behind the violence.
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-PTC News
