Patiala clashes: IG constitutes 5-member SIT to probe into violence that injured 4

In Patiala clashes probe, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted by inspector general of police (Patiala range) to carry out a detailed investigation into violence that ensued on April 29 after clashes between two groups over an anti-Khalistan march left four people injured, including police personnel. SIT formation came to fore after police officers were transferred under direction of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. 

Subsequently, Mukhwinder Singh Chinna h been appointed as new IG-Patiala Range while Deepak Parik is inducted as new senior superintendent of police for jurisdiction in Patiala and both officers shall take up investigation hereafter. violence refers to an anti-separatist march in Patiala, carried out by Shiv Sena (Bal Thackeray), one of many factions of Shiv Sena present in Punjab.

rallying motto was 'Khalistani Murdab' (death to pro-Khalistan) when Nihang Sikhs, said to be a warrior sect of Sikh community, allegedly barged into demonstration and protested rally which led to violence causing hurt to four, including two policemen. 

Patiala violence

After city went up in flames and unrest spiralled within minutes of rebuke, allegedly by a certain Sikh community, a curfew was imposed from 7 pm on Friday until 6 am on Saturday. Also, Punjab government, in a bid to prevent furr rumour and hate-mongering, suspended mobile services and internet connection while cellular voice calls continued to operate. 

Meanwhile, AAP' Bhagwant Mann deemed clashes were politically motivated and maligned with instigation from Shiv Sena, BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal S). On May 1, Shiv Sena's Harish Singla was arrested for taking out procession without seeking permission and for instigating violence. On or hand, Sikh activists, including Nihangs, who h initially gared at Dukh Niwaran Sahib Gurdwara, marched towards temple while ims showed a few of m brandishing swords. ir procession too did t have permission from authorities, officials said.

Main accused in Patiala violence 

In a significant development, a video of Barjinder Singh Parwana, main accused in Patiala violence, was accessed by Republic Media Network wherein he can be seen asking his aides to gar weapons and trigger violence. In video, accused, sporting a saffron turban, can be seen provoking people to join pre-planned violence std by pro-Khalistani members against Shiv Sena march.

Shortly after video was accessed by Republic Media Network, IG Patiala held a press conference stating that mastermind was held by Punjab Police when he was en route to Chandigarh airport from Mohali. authorities mentioned that six accused have been detained so far while CM Bhagwant Mann has ordered strict action to be taken against anti-social and anti-national elements.