A protest by Asaram ashram’s supporters at the district collectorate in Gandhinagar turned violent on Thursday when they started pelting stones at policemen.
Police arrested over 200 supporters of Asaram Bapu who were part of a rally which attacked the police and injured around 20 policemen, including the Gandhinagar SP and other senior officers.
“This is clearly an attack on the police force by the followers of Asaram. This is not expected (of them). Nobody is allowed to take the law in his hand,” Gujarat DGP SS Khandwavala said, adding, “It’s unfortunate that disciples of a religious sect have indulged in violent behaviour and attacked policemen.”
A protest by Asaram ashram’s supporters at the district collectorate in Gandhinagar turned violent on Thursday when they started pelting stones at policemen. Gandhinagar SP Piyush Patel and his deputy KC Chudasama were hurt in the incident.
Asaram’s supporters had taken permission to hold a demonstration protesting the alleged harassment of sadhaks by police, policemen said. Although permission was given only to four persons, things got out of hand when over 100 people turned up at the collectorate and tried to force their way in. When the police asked them to leave, the mob started pelting stones at them. Khandwavala said that 203 people have been booked for rioting and attempt to murder (under IPC section 307). An enquiry has also been ordered. It will be conducted by the IG of Gandhinagar, AK Sharma.
According to the police, Asaram’s supporters were carrying flags which could also be used as sticks which is why policemen tried to stop them. This is the second time such an incident has occurred. Earlier, the city was witness to Asaram supporters targeting mediapersons.
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