25 acquitted in dera-Sikh clashes in Sirsa

Tribune News Service

Sirsa, January 29

A local court today acquitted 25 persons in the case concerning clashes between followers of the Dera Sacha Sauda and members of the Sikh community at Rori in Sirsa in 2008.

Additional District and Sessions Judge RK Mehta gave them the benefit of the doubt while acquitting them of the charges under Sections 145, 147, 149, 323, 452, 506, 427 and 295-A of the IPC for rioting, voluntary causing hurt, criminal trespass, criminal intimidation, mischief for causing damage and outraging religious feelings of a community.

On March 26, 2008, a ‘naam charcha’ was to be organised at the residence of dera follower Dharam Pal at Rori in Sirsa. Some members of the Sikh community opposed it and threatened that they would not allow the programme.

They maintained that the holding of ‘naam charcha’ was banned in the district following violent incidents earlier. This led to clashes between dera followers and members of the Sikh community. A house and a car were set on fire during the clashes. Stones were also pelted on a police gypsy.

The police had booked 25 persons after the clashes.