M A I N   N E W S

Aggarwals up in arms
Buses challaned, 14 arrested
From Vipin Sharma

ROHTAK, March 29 — The closing of the Agroha Dham in protest against the penalty imposed on two buses in Agroha on March 26 has generated tension in the region. It is alleged that some persons are trying to communalise the issue and exploiting the feelings of a particular community. On the other hand, certain passengers of the buses concerned are charging the officials concerned with harassing them without any profound reason.

Agitated over the arrest of 14 passengers in this connection, the Agroha Vikas Trust has decided to close the dham till action is taken against the officials concerned.

The dham, located near Hisar, is considered as the most sacred place among the Aggarwal community.

According to information, the buses were stopped for routine checking near the Agroha petrol station on March 26. During the checking the driver of the bus failed to produce any document, including the driving license. The driver and the conductor were not in proper uniform and the vehicle was devoid of the first-aid box and the fire extinguisher. Moreover, pressure horn and additional lights were fitted on the bus. Subsequently, the bus was impounded by the officer. However, following the request of some passengers a fine of Rs 10,000 was imposed, which was compounded by the driver on the spot and the bus released.

Meanwhile, another bus was also stopped for checking and almost the same irregularities were detected. The driver of the bus could not produce the passengers’ list. The registration copy of the bus was seized and the vehicle was challaned.

This infuriated passengers who were going to attend the Aggarwal Mahasammelan in Delhi. Some of them indulged in heated arguments with officials. They also called the passengers of the first bus and allegedly indulged in manhandling of officials when the latter declined to withdraw the challan and return the amount.

Locals intervened and called up the police. Mr Jagdish Chander, sarpanch, Bangaon village in Fatehabad district, and some other persons who were present on the scene told this correspondent that they protected members of the official team when some passengers turned hostile.

As many as 14 passengers were arrested on the charge of manhandling officials but were later released on bail.

Passengers of the buses and members of the Agroha Vikas Trust have condemned the incident and levelled corruption charges against the officials involved. They have demanded a high-level inquiry into the incident and action against the “erring” officials.