Kangra SP orders probe into thrashing of Amritsar pilgrims in Jwalamukhi

Ravinder Sood

Palampur, October 20

Khushal Sharma, Superintendent of Police, Kangra, today directed the DSP, Jwalamukhi, to probe the incident in which 10 devotees of Majitha, Amritsar, were beaten up by some locals at the Jwalamukhi bus stand on Saturday night. However, when the matter was reported to the police, they forced the pilgrims to reach a compromise.

The Tribune had highlighted the incident in these columns on Monday. Later, a video of the incident had also gone viral on social media.

Sanjay Kundu, DGP, took cognisance of the incident and asked SP Khushal Sharma to look into the matter. The police swung into action. DSP traced the addresses of the victims yesterday and spoke to them and assured them of action against the culprits. He also sought their cooperation. Later, the victims provided videos of the incident to the police.

Two victims — Inderjit Marwaha and Ajay Kumar — who sustained head injuries, said they were brutally thrashed by some anti-social elements at the bus stand. Even women were not spared. They also released a video footage of the incident to the media.

They said they had gone to the police station to seek protection, but instead of extending them any help, the police harassed them and forced them to sign the documents of compromise. Though medical check-up of six injured persons was conducted by the police in a hospital, no first aid was given to them. They were told by the police to leave Jwalamukhi immediately.

The SP said the guilty would not be spared. Adequate steps were being taken so that such incidents were not repeated. He had asked the DSP to go through the footage of CCTV cameras installed in the police station and the local bus stand and initiate action without any delay.

Meanwhile, a number of social organisations have condemned the incident and appealed to Jai Ram Thakur, Chief Minister to intervene to check the deteriorating law and order situation in Jwalamukhi keeping in view the safety and security of thousands of pilgrims visiting the holy shrine.

Cops 'insensitive'

• Ten pilgrims from Majitha near Amritsar were reportedly brutally thrashed by some people at Jwalamukhi bus stand.
• Two victims— Inderjit Marwaha and Ajay Kumar— sustained head injuries. Even women were not spared.
• Victims went to the police station to seek protection but were forced to sign compromise papers.

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.