Ruckus over BJP ticket dispute in Datia, stone pelting in demonstration by Narottam Mishra supporters; Many police officers injured

Datia, 11 July. The protest by BJP leader Narottam Mishra’s supporters turned violent after he was not given a ticket in the Datia Assembly by-election in Madhya Pradesh. The protesters blocked the road and during this, many police officers and soldiers were injured in the stone pelting incident. Some police vehicles were also damaged during the disturbance. Datia District Magistrate Swapnil Wankhede said that the administration ended the chakka jam which lasted for about 12 hours late in the night. He said that initially efforts were made to pacify the protesters peacefully, but when they were not ready to move away, tear gas shells had to be used to control the situation.

According to the District Magistrate, many policemen have been injured in stone pelting. The injured also include DSP, SDOP and Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP). He said that all the protesters have been warned that any attempt to disrupt law and order will not be tolerated. During the code of conduct, the administration will ensure strict adherence to the rules. He said that who is given ticket by any political party is its internal matter, but the general public should not face any problem due to this.

On the call for market bandh, the District Magistrate said that the protesters had announced the market bandh a day earlier, but most of the traders did not support it. Heavy police force has been deployed in the markets to prevent any kind of forced closure. The administration made it clear that no one will be allowed to forcefully close shops. The District Magistrate also informed that 16 companies of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have been deployed to ensure fair and peaceful voting. Security arrangements have been tightened in all sensitive areas.

Meanwhile, Datia Superintendent of Police Mayur Khandelwal said that the protesters had tried to block the road, which was removed by the police. The markets have been opened normally and the situation is now under control. He said that even after stone pelting, the police exercised restraint and did not resort to lathi charge. Only tear gas shells were used to control the situation. Many policemen have been seriously injured in the incident, including the Additional Superintendent of Police.

The Superintendent of Police said that the people involved in the disturbance are being identified. Some accused have been detained and legal action is underway against others. He said that strict action will be taken against anyone who disturbs peace or takes law into his hands during the election code of conduct.