Following the flare-up that resulted in arson and tension in landhaura town, Haridwar police arrested 23 people, including main accused Raj Kumar alias Krishan Raj, on Wednesday night. Heavy police force being deployed and Section 144 enforced, the district magistrate has prohibited carrying of sword, hockey stick and any kind of weapon till June 8 in the district with particular emphasis on places like laksar, Roorkee and Bhagwanpur.
No fresh violence has been reported so far, claimed the local police. Internet services have also been blocked in landhaura, Manglaur and laksar towns as precautionary measures. Ban has also been enforced in the area on the use of loud-speakers, though those used in religious places were exempted, said the statement issued by DM office on Thursday. It warned against use of offensive language meant to hurt the religious sentiments of the people. It also said that no one will be allowed to stock stones, pebbles, or bricks on roof tops etc.
Meanwhile, four MlAs — Sanjay Gupta, Swami Yateeshwaranand, Madan Kaushik, Chandrashekhar - and former MlA Pradeep Batra were arrested from Shantarshah village while they were approaching landhaura. They were later released on bail by CJM court.
“The situation is well under control in the area and no fresh violence has been reported so far. We have arrested the main accused, Raj Kumar and 22 others. Investigation is on,” said SSP Haridwar Rajeev Swaroop who has recently taken charge of the district.
Speaking to The Pioneer, District Magistrate Harbans Singh Chugh said, “The administration has taken necessary steps to control the law and order situation. Sector magistrates have been deployed in the area and the internet services have been blocked in the affected areas till Thursday evening. Besides, section 188 has been enforced in the district. Any violation will be strictly dealt with.”
Notably, tension gripped landhaura area in Haridwar district on Wednesday after the relatives of the BJP leader Kunwar Pranav Singh ‘Champion’ attempted to vacate a shop run by a particular community in the market owned by ‘Champion’. This led to stone-pelting and arson with several vehicles being put ablaze by the mob. The police resorted to lathi-charge and firing in the air to control the situation. The mob also headed to the BJP leader’s residence Rang Mahal and set vehicles on fire there. More than 20 people, including police personnel, were injured.