18 arrested for attacking police in Nanded incident

A case has been registered against 400 people and 18 have been arrested in connection with Monday's incident at the Sri Hazur Sahib Gurdwara.

Nanded:The police have registered a case against 400 people and arrested 18 in the incident when police were attacked by a mob carrying swords at Nanded's famous Sachkhand Gurdwara during the Hola-Mohalla procession. The police identified around 60 attackers and would pursue it further.

Superintendent of Police Pramodkumar Shevale said no one will be spared. Guardian Minister of Nanded Ashok Chavan criticised the attack on police assured action against the guilty.

We will spare none: Shevale

The police were on guard at the Gurdwara in wake of the traditional procession on Monday. The procession takes place in Dhulivandan every year. Though it was agreed that it will not be held due to restrictions imposed by the government to control the increasing cases of Covid-19 this year. Shevale said CCTV footage of the incident is being inspected and 60 attackers have been identified. Eighteen accused in the case were arrested and a probe is on to arrest others, he added.

Young devotees would not listen

The police had refused permission to the procession due to Covid-19 restrictions. Shevale held a meeting with Collector Vipin Itankar and the administrative committee of the Gurdwara including Baba Kulwant Singh Ji, Sant Baba Balwindersinghji to convince them about following the protocol. It was agreed that there would be no procession this year. The committee also appealed to the Sikh community to follow the same and cooperate during the religious event. However, on March 29, a procession was held inside the Gurdwara after the ardaas at 4 pm. However, some young devotees tried to take the procession out of the Gurdwara breaking police barricades which were placed at the entrance. They came out with swords and attacked the police. The committee members tried to stop them but in vain, said Shevale.

The incident occurred on Monday

Due to the prevailing lockdown in Nanded district, permission was denied to the traditional procession held on Dhulivandan. Police had been guarding the place. But some devotees rushed out of the Gurdwara carrying swords and attacked the police. They even damaged police vans. Four policemen, including the Superintendent of Police, were seriously injured in the incident.

Eighteen arrested

The police arrested 18 attackers on Monday night and a case was registered. There was heavy security around the Gurdwara and all over the city after the incident.

Guardian Minister condemns attack on police

Guardian Minister Ashok Chavan condemned the attack on police and said the situation was well handled by the police. He assured action against those guilty in the case. He reiterated that the community heads had assured that the traditional procession will not be held and that the Covid-19 restrictions would be followed. However, the mob went uncontrolled, he added.