The Sirmaur police in Himachal Pradesh have arrested 11 individuals in connection with a violent clash and stone-pelting incident that occurred between members of the Valmiki and Sikh communities at Valmiki Chowk in Nahan on October 23. The accused were taken into custody on Tuesday and are scheduled to be produced before a court. The confrontation resulted in injuries to police personnel and members of both communities, along with damage to public and private property.
Police Intensify Probe Following Nahan Violence
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the Nahan police have intensified their investigation to identify all those involved in the violence. According to official statements, five of the arrested individuals hail from the Valmiki locality, while the remaining six are residents of the Govindgarh locality within Nahan. The police have identified the arrested persons from the Valmiki locality as Vasu, 37; Shivraj, 29; Vidya Sagar, also known as Rahul, 31; Aryan, 19; and Aryaveer, also known as Adi, 19. Those apprehended from the Govindgarh locality include Prakash Singh, alias Badal, 24; Kulwinder Singh, alias Khoju, 24; Sukhwinder Singh, alias Gappu, 21; Gurjeet Singh, alias Gujju, 27; Tejpal Singh, alias Teju, 19; and Sohan Singh, 21.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Action
The Superintendent of Police, Sirmaur, Nishchint Singh Negi, stated that the investigation is ongoing to identify all parties involved in the incident. He added that further legal action will be determined based on the evidence gathered. The police are also investigating the alleged roles of other individuals believed to have been involved in the incident, with legal proceedings to be initiated in accordance with the emerging facts and evidence from the probe.
Curfew-like Restrictions Imposed in Nahan
The arrests have been made amidst a heightened security presence in Nahan following the clash. Apprehensions of renewed tension around Valmiki Chowk have led the district administration to impose prohibitory orders. These orders, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, are in effect in specified areas of Nahan until October 29. The measures are intended to prevent any further escalation of the situation and maintain public order. The administration has urged residents to remain calm and uphold communal harmony and mutual brotherhood.
Appeal for Peace and Cooperation
The Sirmaur police have issued an appeal to the residents of Nahan, urging them to maintain peace and foster communal harmony. They have also advised the public against believing or circulating unverified or provocative content on social media platforms. The police stressed the importance of cooperation with law enforcement and the administration to ensure the continued maintenance of law and order in the town. The situation remains under close observation by the authorities.
The Chenab Times News Desk