Raungla woman’s murder: Relatives hold dharna at Patiala's Fountain Chowk, commuters harassed
The traffic jam cleared almost after over two hours
A few relatives of woman and a handful of youngsters belonging to Raungla village, murdered recently, held the whole city to ransom as they blocked the Fountain Chowk roundabout for around two hours creating traffic mess. It was after the intervention of the police that the jam was cleared almost after over two hours.
Last week, some men allegedly attacked and killed 60-year-old Baljeet Kaur just outside her house in Raungla village. Her relatives blamed the village sarpanch and some others known to his son for the attack.
According to woman’s family members, this attack was carried out by no one else, but the village sarpanch and some of his associates. “Since sarpanch has political connections, the police are unable to arrest him”, they alleged.
Today, woman’s relatives blocked the Fountain Chowk roundabout leading to traffic chaos in the city. Many commuters were abused and pushed by agitating villagers who raised slogans against the Patiala police for their failure to get them justice. Hundreds of vehicles were caught in the jam, while many students returning after appearing in exams were also stuck in the traffic mess.
“It was only after two hours that the police reached the spot and got the blockade removed. This is total collapse of the law and order as just over 30 people managed to block the main roundabout,” said Karamjit Singh who was on his way to pick up his daughter from school. Another shopkeeper said the police failed to ensure safe passage for commuters as the agitating woman’s relatives pushed and abused elderly and even women.
SP (City) Palwinder Cheema, who reached the spot, said their teams were conducting raids to nab the accused. He said victim’s relatives were apprised of developments. “However, this is the third time within a week they have blocked roads, harassing commuters,” he said, warning of action against them in case they do it again. “We will not allow anyone to disturb law and order,” Cheema said.
