1 shot dead in Patanjali food park clash; Ramdev’s brother detained

Haridwar, May 27

One person was shot dead and four others were injured today when a clash broke out between security guards on duty at Ramdev’s Patanjali Food and Herbal Park in Padartha area and members of a truck union, the police said.

Two persons, including Ramdev’s brother Rambharat, have been detained for interrogation in connection with the incident.

The police said the members of the truck union were for some time protesting against the firm engaging truck operators from outside of Haridwar for transporting products to market.

They wanted the firm’s management to assign the job to local truck owners, SP (rural) Parmendra Dobhal said.

The supporters of the union today stopped trucks outside the gates of the firm to which the security guards objected.

A verbal clash ensued followed by fist fighting leading to the security men opening fire at the group of truckers, killing one of them on the spot, he said.

The deceased has been identified as Balbir (50), who hails from Ethal in Haridwar district.

Four persons belonging to both groups were also injured in the clash, the SP said.

Ramdev’s brother Rambharat and a park employee have been detained for questioning, the police said adding that the situation was under control. — PTI