M A I N   N E W S

3 killed in clash over ashram in Rohtak
DSP, Rohtak tehsildar among 114 hurt
Bijendra Ahlawat/TNS

Rohtak, May 12
Three persons were killed and over 100 injured when the police opened fire to quell a mob that had gathered to take possession of Satlok Ashram at Karontha village today. The injured included a woman Deputy Superintendent of Police and the Rohtak tehsildar.

Four Haryana Roadways buses were torched and several vehicles damaged in the violence that went on for over two hours. The state government rushed in several companies of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) besides deputing 1,500 policemen at the village to contain the situation.

Over 400 persons have been booked under various sections of the IPC for the violence. Those killed have been identified as Sandeep (26), a teacher from Panipat, Promila (38), a resident of Karontha, and an unidentified man around 55 years of age. While Sandeep and Promila died on the spot after suffering bullet injuries in police firing, the unidentified man died in a hospital in Jhajjar.

At least six persons were operated upon for gunshot wounds at the PGIMS later in the evening. Over 100 persons were admitted to the PGIMS, a spokesperson said.

The situation remained volatile as heavy police force continued to remain stationed in and around the village. Reports said senior district and police officials met village elders this evening and urged residents to maintain calm.

The violence started after members of the Arya Samaj and local residents began a march towards the ashram around 10 am. The Arya Samaj (Arya Pratinidhi Sabha) supporters had arrived at the village from various parts of the state to hold a panchayat at the village on a call given by the sabha.

The sabha members claimed they wanted to stage a peaceful protest outside the ashram but their movement was restricted by the police, which had put up barricades. The mob pelted the police with stones resulting in lathi-charge and opening of fire, reports said.

The situation was brought under control after two hours of violence that led to the torching of some vehicles, including four Haryana Roadways buses that had been used to ferry policemen.

Several companies of the RAF arrived at the scene amidst heavy police presence outside the ashram located on the highway, around 1 km from the village. Over 35 policemen, including women constables requisitioned from police training centres, suffered injuries in the violence.

Police sources said deceased Sandeep, an Arya Samaj supporter, had lodged a complaint with the police a few days ago regarding threats received on his mobile phone.

The traffic on the Rohtak-Jhajjar highway remained disrupted till report last came in. The police had set up barricades on both sides of the highway to divert the traffic to alternative routes.

Motorists had been advised against taking the Rohtak-Jhajjar highway today in view of the blockade.

A similar clash had taken place on April 9 when protesters had demanded evacuation of the ashram. No arrest has been made so far.

A spokesperson for the district police, however, said three Haryana Roadways buses, an ambulance and a liquor vend were torched by the mob during the violence. He claimed at least 61 policemen were injured. He said the police had registered a case and would soon arrest those involved in the violence.

Mob Attack

• Trouble began after members of the Arya Samaj and local residents began a march towards Satlok Ashram in Karontha village around 10 am
• Arya Samaj (Arya Pratinidhi Sabha) supporters had arrived at the village from various parts of the state to hold a panchayat on a call given by the Sabha
• Sabha members claimed they wanted to stage a peaceful protest outside the ashram, but their movement was restricted by the police, which had put up barricades
• The mob pelted the police with stones resulting in lathi-charge and opening of fire, reports said