FIR Registered Against 15 Leaders, Including MLA Ayali, Linked To ‘Waris Punjab De’
Uproar In Chandigarh Over Amritpal’s Release; Allegations Of Attacks On Police
Chandigarh Police has taken major action following a march organized to demand the release of Amritpal Singh head of the ‘Waris Punjab De’ organization and various ‘Bandi Singhs’ (Sikh prisoners) currently lodged in different jails, after the organizers met with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
The police have registered an FIR naming 15 leaders, including MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali, who are associated with ‘Waris Punjab De’. The FIR alleges that thousands of protesters, led by these leaders, breached barricades at Gaushala Chowk, attacked police personnel, and damaged government property.
According to the police, around 2,500 to 3,000 protesters arrived at Gaushala Chowk (located at the junction of Sectors 50, 51, 44, and 45) on Tuesday afternoon. They intended to march towards the Chief Minister’s residence to demand the release of Amritpal Singh and other Sikh prisoners. Police stated that many protesters arrived armed with swords, *farsas* (battle-axes), axes, spears, and sticks, and were blocking the road while raising slogans.
According to the FIR, senior officers present at the scene repeatedly explained to the protesters that Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) was in force in the city and that a march without permission was not allowed. They were advised to hold their protest at the Sector-25 rally ground; however, the police allege that the protesters refused to comply and attempted to advance by breaking through the barricades.
As the situation escalated, the police with the permission of the duty magistrate used mild force and deployed water cannons. Despite this, the protesters allegedly attacked the police. More than 15 police personnel were injured in the ensuing clash.
The most serious incident occurred at the Sector-45/46 intersection, where, according to the police, some protesters climbed onto the water cannon vehicle, damaged its nozzle, and attacked the driver, ASI Gurjit Singh. He sustained a severe injury to his hand during the attack. They were admitted to GMSH-16 and discharged after receiving treatment.
The police have named MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali, Satinderjit Singh Gill, Kabal Singh Bhullar, Jagdeep Singh Kansala, Iqbal Singh Sandhu, Paramjit Singh Johal, former MLA Ajeeb Singh Makhmelpur, Chamkaur Singh Dhun, Advocate Iman Singh Khara, Jaswinder Singh Droli, Iqbal Singh Chunda, Karnail Singh Panjoli, Lakha Sidhana, Bhana Sidhu, and Lakhvir Singh Lakha in the case.
Other unidentified protesters are being identified based on CCTV footage and video recordings. The police have registered a case under Sections 121(1), 132, and 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with other relevant sections, and have initiated an investigation.
