Rohtak (Haryana): Two people, including a woman, were killed and 114 injured in clashes between Arya Samaj protesters and police near this Haryana town yesterday, police said. The protesters torched buses while opposing the re-opening of an ashram (sect premises) of a controversial godman near here.
The 114 injured, who were admitted to the Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGIMS) here, included nearly 50 police personnel, including women. At least six of the injured had gunshot injuries.
Police resorted to firing at the protesters after other measures, including cane charge and bursting tear-gas, failed to curb the violence, said police officials, claiming that some people among the protesters also fired at police.
Angry mobs clashed with police and set three Haryana Roadways buses and an ambulance on fire during the violent protest. At least 10 other vehicles, including two-wheelers, were also damaged. The protesters also set a liquor vend on fire. Rohtak is 70km from national capital New Delhi.
The crowds, mostly activists from the Arya Samaj sect, were protesting against the opening of the Satlok Ashram headed by godman Rampal at Karontha village, 10km from here. The protesters got support from residents of Karontha village who are also opposed to the ashram.
Hundreds of supporters of Rampal had gathered inside the ashram complex to respond to any attack on the premises. However, the Arya Samaj protesters could not get anywhere near the ashram as the police stopped them.
The protesters march towards the ashram was stopped by police on the Rohtak-Jhajjar national highway. Police officials said that the protesters went on a rampage and damaged public buses and police vehicles. IANS
