Patiala clashes: Punjab CM orders transfer of 3 cops; mobile internet suspended

A day after Punjab’s Patiala saw clashes between two groups, mobile internet services have been temporarily suspended in the district and three senior cops have been transferred.

Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann has ordered the suspension of IG Rakesh Aggarwal, SSP Nanak Singh, and SP city Wazir Singh, according to an official order.

The mobile internet services remain suspended from 9:30 am to 6 pm. “… there is likelihood of tension, annoyance, obstruction or injury to persons, danger to human life and property, disturbance of public peace and tranquility within the limits of district Patiala due to the recent law and order events,” the official order read.

Stopping the spread of misinformation is necessary “to thwart the designs and activities of anti-national and anti-social groups/ elements and maintain peace and communal harmony and to prevent any loss of life or damage to public/private property,” it added.

“Mobile internet services (2G/3G/4G/CDMA) (ii) all SMS services and (iii) all dongle services etc. provided on mobile networks except voice calls” have been suspended till 6 pm on Saturday.

This is the first major incident Punjab has seen after chief minister Bhagwant Mann took charge in March. On Friday, the chief minister said: “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.”