11 injured as Congress, AAP supporters clash over mining in Mohali

Eleven persons were injured in a clash between the Aam Aadmi Party and the Congress supporters over alleged mining in Mukandpur village. Members from both groups clashed again at the Dera Bassi sub-divisional hospital and vandalised several rooms.

Panic gripped the hospital after the clash, with terrified patients and their attendants fleeing to safety in the middle of night. Hospital staff, meanwhile, locked themselves up in their rooms as the mob vandalised the facility.

The groups hurled furniture, flowerpots, wheel chairs, tables, queue managers and other items at each other as the lone security guard watched haplessly.

According to the hospital staff, the pandemonium prevailed inside the hospital for half an hour before police personnel reached the spot and rounded up a few youths. Four of them have been identified as Mahipal, Naresh, Angrez and Naib Ram.

Doctors decry lack of security

Irate doctors and paramedical medical staff held a strike this morning, alleging a lack of proper security measures at the hospital.

“Such incidents are repeatedly taking place at the hospital. The Bhagwant Mann government keeps talking about revolution in health sector but the reality is for everyone to see,” said a protesting doctor.

Emergency services have remained operational.

Addressing the incident, Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh said, “Strict action will be taken against those indulging in violence inside hospitals.”

Senior Superintendent of Police Deepak Pareek said, “PCR patrolling will be increased especially at morning and nights. If more cameras are required, arrangements would be made.”

The police have booked seven persons, who are under-treatment, under the relevant Sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act, and the Punjab Prevention of Damage to Public and Private Property Act, 2014.

Four of the 11 injured from one group have been admitted to GMCH-32, three at Mohali Civil Hospital and four at Dera Bassi sub-divisional hospital, Mohali Civil Surgeon Sangeeta Jain said.

According to locals, Congress supporters clashed with AAP workers over alleged mining in the village under the government patronage. They had been demanding registration of an FIR for the past few days. The administration, meanwhile, said a letter was issued on April 3 regarding the leveling work and exemptions in mining of minor minerals.