Gohana, February 26
The police resorted to a mild
lathicharge and chaos prevailed when the crowd went out of control after
Congress president, Sonia Gandhi reached Gohana village, about 40 km
from Sonepat, as part of her two-day tour of the state.
The AICC
spokesperson, Ms Selja was pushed by the police when she wanted to join
Ms Gandhi. Finding herself alone in the crowd, and not recognised by
police personnel, she rushed to her car. The police beatup a local
photographer when he tried to break the security cover to take Ms
Gandhi’s photograph.
The incident took place at about 3.30 p.m. when Ms
Gandhi along with a cavalcade of Congress leaders reached Mahavir Chowk
in the main market of the village, over two hours behind schedule. Ms
Gandhi’s car was parked near the gathering where only women were
sitting. A woman leader offered her a “red chunni”. The crowd lost
temper and broke the security cover of NSG commandos when Ms Gandhi
started leaving the venue only after about a minute’s stay.
A large
number of people hailing from various villages of Rohtak, Sonepat and
Panipat districts left disappointed as they did not get a glimpse of Ms
Gandhi. As she left, many Congress supporters shouted; “Hame bhi darshan
karne hain.”
A 70-year-old villager, Amar Singh, hailing from Chaksi
Machend in Sonepat said he was waiting since morning and had occupied
the front row to see Ms Gandhi. He was, however, pushed aside by the
crowd as she arrived. Similarly, 65-year-old Budh Singh hailing from
Panipat said he had been waiting for several days to watch Ms Gandhi.
When contacted DSP Reshal Singh, said the police had tried to control
the crowd to protect Ms Gandhi. He denied that a lathicharge had been
ordered.
