51 cops, 10 protesters injured in Kaithal, Jagadhri clashes

Tribune Reporters

Kaithal/Yamunagar, April 2

In all, 51 police personnel and 10 Dalit protesters were injured in clashes in Kaithal and Jagadhri on Monday in view of the “Bharat bandh” call.

They were protesting against the “dilution” of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

In Kaithal,the situation across the town remained tense Dalits clashed with the police injuring 40 cops and 10 protesters.

While the injured were taken to Civil Hospital, Sub-Inspector Ram Kishan was referred to PGI, Chandigarh. Six mediapersons also sustained injuries and cameras of two photojournalists were reportedly damaged.

Protesters vandalised the local bus stand. They damaged ticket counters and an LED screen installed there. The police had to resort to lathicharge to disburse the mob.

Later, the police fired in the air when protesters pelted stones at cops near Pehowa Chowk. The mob then moved towards the railway station and damaged an engine. Several vehicles, including six cars, two police vans, bikes and a water cannon were also damaged in the melee. Shopkeepers were also forced to shut down their shops.

In the evening, Director General of Police BS Sandhu and IGP Karnal range visited Kaithal to review the law and order situation.

Kaithal SP Astha Modi could not be contacted despite repeated attempts.

In Jagadhri, the police on Monday restored to lathicharge to disperse members of the Dalit community after they had blocked National Highway 73 and pelted the cops with stones.

The protesters damaged five vehicles, including two police vehicles. Besides, 11 police personnel were injured in stone pelting.

Dalits gathered at the main gate of new grain market, Jagadhri. They held a public meeting, burnt the effigy of the Centre government and blocked the NH for several hours.

On getting information about the blockade, duty magistrate Darshan Kumar, Jagadhri DSP Rajinder Singh and City police station SHO Rakesh Kumar reached the spot.

They tried in vain to persuade the protesters to lift the blockage. Instead, some of the agitators started throwing stones at police vehicles and officials. In retaliation, the police resorted to lathicharge.

Sources said several protesters were rounded up. The police refused to disclose the figure.

City police station SHO Rakesh Kumar said a case had been registered against 100 to 150 persons on the charge of blocking the NH, attacking the police and hindering government officials from doing their duty.

Situation tense in F’bad  

• In Faridabad, the police resorted to lathicharge to disperse protesters, who indulged in stone-pelting and burning of tyres. NH 2 in Palwal witnessed pitched battles between the agitators and the police. Atleast 12 persons, including cops, were injured 
• Amitabh Dhillon, Commissioner of Police, Faridabad, admitted use of force to disburse the mob, saying cases would be registered against those who indulged in violence.