Ropar, July 15
Controversial Baba Piara Singh Bhaniarawala was arrested from his native Dhamana village, about 20 km from here, by the Nurpur Bedi police this evening. He has been arrested under Section 188 of the IPC for violating the order of the District Magistrate, Ropar vide which the Baba has been asked to leave the district within three days. District Magistrate has also banned his entry into the district till September 12 next, fearing a danger to public tranquility if Baba stays in the district.

According to sources, the Baba was taken to the Nurpur Bedi police station in a jeep by the Nurpur Bedi SHO Vibhour Kumar under tight police security. Baba and his followers did not pose any resistance at the time of his arrest.

The Baba will be taken to Patiala by the police tomorrow where he had to appear in a court in a case registered against him.

The Baba after spending nine months in jail, returned to his native Dhamana village, near Nurpur Bedi in this district, on July 10. The Baba had been arrested in September last following the incidents of burning of “bir” in Ropar and Fatehgarh Sahib districts.

After his return to Dhamana village, Baba was reluctant to leave the district on his own despite an order from the District Magistrate. In these circumstances, the police was left with no other option but to arrest him.