Dera row: 3 securitymen among 8 injured in clash

Sirsa, Jul 24 (UNI) Eight people, including three security personnel, were injured in a clash between Sikhs and Sacha Sauda followers at Mallewala village, about 30 km from here, today.

The incident occurred when Dera followers, agitated over the cancellation of their scheduled 'Nam Charcha' (religious congregation) at a public place, clashed with some Sikh devotees returning from their morning prayers in a local gurdwara.

During the clash, some unidentified people opened fire in which eight people, including two policemen and one Rapid Action Force (RAF) jawan, were injured. They were admitted to the civil hospital police here.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Vikas Arora said five people, including local Dera office bearer Bhangidas Jeet Singh, had been arrested under Sections 37, 323 and 34 of the IPC .

A total of 16 people had been booked on the complaint of gurdwara manager Sher Singh in this connection, the SP said.

The 'Nam Charcha' scheduled for this morning at a public place in the village, was cancelled at the intervention of peace committee and district administration. The Dera officials were persuaded to hold the meeting at some devotee's house.

However, the change of programme was not properly conveyed to the Dera followers who gathered in large numbers at the public place. They got agitated when the scheduled meeting could not take place.

Senior police officials rushed to the spot and the situation was described as tense but under control in the area.

UNI