Punjab DGP asked to conduct probe in Congress, Akali clash

Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today directed the DGP to immediately reach Ludhiana for an on the spot inquiry into a clash between Akalis Dal and Congress workers over a white coloured effigy of demon king Ravana which left at least 35 persons injured.

DGP Suresh Arora has been asked to submit his report within three days and he has already left for Ludhiana, a spokesperson of the CMO said.

Badal also personally called on Congress leaders who are agitating outside his official residence here and assured them that the law of land would take its own course and anybody found guilty would be punished, the spokesman said.

Congress leaders, including Ravneet Singh Bittu and Bharat Bhushan Ashu staged a protest in front of Badal's residence here, protesting against "excessive crackdown" on party leaders.

Jakhar claimed that Congress leaders were "falsely implicated" in the incident and alleged that Congress leaders were charged with attempt to murder and kidnapping, whereas no action was taken against the Akalis.

Police had yesterday arrested Youth Congress' Punjab Secretary Parvinder Singh Lapran in connection with the clash.

Police has registered a case in the matter under various sections of the IPC including 307 (attempt to murder), 365 (kidnapping), 506 (threatening) and 295 (hurting religious sentiments) against these leaders.

Congress had reportedly prepared white effigies in protest against the sale of heroin in Punjab and the party had planned to burn them on Dussehra along with photos of the Chief Minister and his deputy Sukhbir Singh Badal leading to the protest.

Traditionally, Ravana effigies are covered with black glaze paper.

Deputy Leader of the Opposition Bharat Bhushan Ashu, who represents Ludhiana West Assembly constituency, said as many as 12 Congress men were injured in the clash.

According to police, the SAD workers damaged the white Ravana. The workers also allegedly damaged the vehicle of Congress MP Ravneet Singh Bittu.