Phagwara clash: Names of 7 persons excluded from FIR

The names of seven persons, who were booked in connection with a clash that took place between two groups on April 13, were excluded from the FIR, a senior official said today.

Senior Superintendent of Police Sandeep Sharma, when contacted, said that seven names were dropped from the FIR but these would be made public only after approval by Jalandhar Zone IG Naunihal Singh.

These seven names were among 16 Dalit activists nominated in the case registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, Arms Act and National Highway Act.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Babita Kler, while addressing the gathering at a rally organised by Dalit activists said the names of seven persons have been excluded from the FIR.

The rally was held at Guru Ravidas Gurdwara Chak Hakeem, 3 km from Phagwara, along the NH1.

However, the names of seven persons were not made public by the police.

On April 13, a clash had taken place between members of the Dalit outfit and Hindu right-wing groups.

The incident had taken place when members of a group allegedly installed a board carrying a picture of Ambedkar at the Gol Chowk here on the National Highway (NH)-1 on April 13.

They had also tried to rename it Savidhan Chowk.

However, the members of another group objected to it and that led to a clash between them. Four persons were injured in the incident.

Over 150 persons were booked in these cases from both the groups.