Youth Akali Dal, Congress workers clash in Ludhiana; FIRs against both parties

SAD leaders, however, rubbished those claims. “They beat up nine of my men brutally. Bittu’s security team held me hostage for almost an hour,” said Bhinder. On why he had gone there, Bhinder said, “I went there to see preparations of another Dusshera mela near the venue. We organise it there every year.” SAD Ludhiana chief Madan Lal Bagga accepted that his men had gone to the Congress venue.

“It was a cheap move by the Congress to mix politics and a pious festival. Installing faces of our CM, deputy CM and other ministers in place of Raavan is cheap. Our men went there just to see what mischief Congress was up to. Minister Sharanjit Singh Dhillon also called police to check. Congress workers attacked us,” said Bagga. Both sides also pelted stones and police fired in the air to control situation. An injured Gogi was rushed to Dayanand Medical College and Hospital. The injured SAD workers were admitted at Christian Medical College and hospital.

‘Did not support YAD’

Refuting Congress’ allegations, Ludhiana Police Commissioner J S Aulakh said, “They are lying. Our officers did not support Akali workers in any way. They were there doing their duty and not supporting YAD.”

Police registered two FIRs at Moti Nagar police station on Tuesday. Six Congress men, including Gogi, were booked on the statement of Bhinder under relevant sections of the IPC including attempt to murder, abduction and criminal intimidation, among others. Ravneet Bittu was not booked.

A cross FIR was registered on statement of Gogi against Bhinder, and other YAD leaders under relevant sections, including causing hurt, wrongful restraint and criminal intimidation), among others.