Section 144 applied in Baloda market
There is silence in Chhattisgarh’s Baloda Bazaar. Police are deployed in every nook and cranny of the city after the commotion on Monday. Section 144 is applicable in the city. Anti-social elements are being monitored through CCTV cameras. Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai has sought a report on the entire incident from the state’s chief secretary and director general of police.
The movement of the Satnami community suddenly turned violent on Monday. Protesters torched around 70 vehicles and vandalized government offices. Around 5000 protesters started pelting stones. The barricades erected by the police were also demolished by the protesters.
According to Baloda Bazar SP Sadanand Kumar, the police were aware of the demonstration by the Satnami community. The people of the Satnami community gave a written assurance to the police administration that the protest would be peaceful. Many policemen have been injured in this incident of stone pelting.
Criminals will not be spared – SP
The SP said that miscreants had also entered the DM office premises. There was also vandalism. The office was set on fire. Vehicles were set on fire. The SP said that the miscreants are being identified based on the video footage attached to the incident. Criminals will not be spared. Strict action will be taken. The damage caused by the violence is being assessed. An inquiry into the Baloda market violence has been launched.
Why is satnami society upset?
On May 15, a religious site of the Satnami community at Manakoni in Girodpuri was vandalized. The Satnami community is demanding a probe by a central agency. Expressing their displeasure, people of the Satnami community have called for a protest at the Dussehra ground on Monday and have also called for a siege of the District Magistrate’s office.
70 vehicles burnt to ashes
50 bikes and more than two dozen cars were damaged in the violence. CM Vishnu Dev Sai called the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police and took information about the incident. Deputy CM Vijay Sharma has ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident. Vijay Sharma said that whoever tried to disturb the social harmony, strict action would be taken against the culprits. Rally and procession have been banned in Baloda Bazar.
