Indore (Agency): In a controversial turn of events, the Indore police lathi-charged a group of Bajrang Dal activists and arrested 11 of them in Indore city, Madhya Pradesh. The activists were staging a sit-in protest at Palasia square, a busy junction in the city, to express their dissatisfaction with the registration of "false" cases against members of their organization who had complained about individuals involved in illegal drug trade.
According to the police, the incident occurred late at night on Thursday when the Bajrang Dal workers gathered at the intersection without permission, causing a traffic jam on all four roads. Despite repeated appeals by the police to disperse, the protesters refused to move, leading to the use of mild force to clear the area, said Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Dharmendra Singh Bhadoria. Subsequently, 11 protesters were arrested under Section 151 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
During the sit-in protest, the traffic movement was disrupted, resulting in long queues of vehicles at the Palasia intersection, as reported by eyewitnesses. The BJP, the ruling party in the state, alleged that 11 Bajrang Dal workers were injured in the police lathi-charge. BJP's Indore unit president Gaurav Randive demanded an inquiry into the incident and appropriate action against the police personnel responsible.
Responding to the situation, Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra stated that he has taken cognizance of the incident and legal action has been initiated. He further announced that an Additional Director General of Police (ADGP)-level officer would be assigned to conduct a thorough investigation into the entire episode. Additionally, the in-charge of the concerned police station has been relieved of field duty.
The government's response comes in the wake of the BJP's demand for action against the police personnel involved in the lathi-charge. The state authorities have ordered a comprehensive inquiry to examine all aspects of the incident and ensure accountability.
The clash between the Bajrang Dal activists and the police raises concerns about the right to protest and freedom of expression. The incident has sparked a debate on the use of force by the authorities and the need for a balanced approach in maintaining law and order while respecting citizens' democratic rights.
The government's probe into the matter aims to provide clarity on the sequence of events and ascertain whether there was any excessive use of force. It will also shed light on the validity of the allegations made by the Bajrang Dal activists regarding "false" cases registered against their members.
#bajrangdal, #indore, #police
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