Two groups clash near Kali Devi Mandir in Punjab's Patiala; 2 injured, curfew imposed

Chandigarh: A clash broke out between two groups in Punjab’s Patiala on Friday which forced the police to fire in the air to disperse the crowd and bring the situation under control. There were reports of stones being hurled during the incident.

At least two people were reportedly injured in the violence which took place near a temple while a march was being taken out by one of the groups.

#WATCH | Punjab: A clash broke out between two groups near Kali Devi Mandir in Patiala today.

Police personnel deployed at the spot to maintain law and order situation. pic.twitter.com/yZv2vfAiT6 — ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2022

The state government has ordered heavy police deployment at the spot to maintain law and order situation. Patiala Inspector General of Police Rakesh Agarwal told reporters in Patiala that the situation was “now under control.”

Patiala, Punjab | Seeing the problem of law and order here, police have been deployed. We are speaking with Shiv Sena's (one of the two groups) chief Harish Singla as they don't have any permission for the march: DSP pic.twitter.com/6QCGy2jZgy — ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2022

"We have called force from outside. A Peace committee meeting has been called by the Deputy Commissioner," he said, adding restoring peace in the area was their priority.

The state government also imposed a curfew in Patiala from 7 pm today (29th April) to 6 am tomorrow (30th April) in wake of the clash here earlier today, said ANI.

#UPDATE | Curfew imposed in Patiala from 7 pm today, 29th April to 6 am tomorrow, 30th April. This comes in wake of the clash here earlier today.#Punjab https://t.co/aMIDCY5X1H — ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2022

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann termed the incident as “deeply unfortunate” and said he was in touch with the DGP of Punjab police.

"The incident of clashes in Patiala is deeply unfortunate. I have spoken to the DGP; peace has been restored in the area. We are closely monitoring the situation and will not let anyone create disturbance in the state," CM Mann said in a tweet.

The incident of clashes in Patiala are deeply unfortunate. I spoke with the DGP, peace has been restored in the area. We are closely monitoring the situation and will not let anyone create disturbance in the State. Punjab’s peace and harmony is of utmost importance. — Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) April 29, 2022

He also said that Punjab's peace and harmony is of utmost importance. When asked to comment on the incident, the IG said the incident took place as "some mischievous elements had spread some rumours. We have controlled the situation. We are conducting a flag march in Patiala city".

When asked how many have been injured in the incident, Agarwal said they were still checking it. "Due to some rumour, things had escalated, but things have been controlled now," he said.

Deputy Commissioner, Patiala, Sakshi Sawhney said, "We appeal to all to maintain calm and not to lend credence to any rumours." 

(With Agency Inputs)