Four injured in Sacha Sauda-police clash

Karnal, May 17 (UNI) Four people, including two policemen, were seriously injured today when followers of Dera Sacha Sauda clashed with police here following the burning of Sauda Chief Sant Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's effigy by Sikh protesters.

Followers of the Dera Sacha Sauda, known as Premis, began rushing towards the hub of the twon, the committee chowk, soon after at least 2500 slogan-shouting and sword brandishing sikhs burnt the Sauda chief in effigy, disregarding the administration's plea not to do so.

Though a clash between Sikhs and the Premis was averted as the Sikh activists had already left the venue, the Sauda protesters, including women, attacked the police vehicles and began pelting stones at the municipal building where Deputy Commissioner B S Malik and S P Shibas Kaviraj had retreated. Shopkeepers of the main bazar hurriedly pulled downed the shutters.

In the ensuing lathi charge, some women fell on the road and were seen being picked up by policemen. There were no policewomen present.

According to unconfirmed reports, eight women were seriously injured but avoided seeking treatment in the civil hospital fearing police action.

Talking to UNI here, Deputy Commissioner B S Malik said cases against both the parties would be registered as they both had tried to violate peace in the city.

''However, our main objective, to avoid a clash between the two parties, had been met,'' he said.

UNI