Day after Waris Punjab De protesters storm Chandigarh, Ayali, 14 others booked
Day after Waris Punjab De Protesters Storm Chandigarh, 15 Including Ayali Booked
MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali Among Those Charged for Violating Prohibitory Orders
Bharatmorningnews.com – Day after Waris Punjab De protesters gathered in large numbers to challenge police restrictions in Chandigarh, authorities have registered cases against fifteen individuals. The demonstration, which took place on Wednesday, saw party supporters forcefully entering the city while defying prohibitory orders. Among those booked was MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali, along with fourteen other prominent party members and supporters. The protest was organized in solidarity with Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh and other Sikh detainees who remain in custody.
The gathering at Gaushala Chowk in Sector 45 drew an estimated crowd of 2,500 to 3,000 people by midday. Demonstrators carried banners featuring images of Amritpal Singh and chanted slogans demanding his release. The group blocked vehicular traffic in the area despite clear instructions from senior police officials. According to the First Information Report, the protesters were operating under Section 163(b) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, which limits public gatherings to no more than five individuals. Despite multiple warnings to move to the designated rally point in Sector 25, the crowd remained in place.
Protesters Clash with Police, Damage Equipment
Law enforcement officials allege that certain party leaders encouraged demonstrators to push through barricades and continue their march. The FIR states that protesters armed with axes, spears, swords, and wooden sticks attacked police personnel who were trying to maintain order. The confrontation escalated when demonstrators climbed onto a police water cannon truck and damaged its nozzle. Assistant Sub-Inspector Gurjeet Singh suffered a serious hand injury during the incident and was rushed to the Government Multi-Speciality Hospital in Sector 16 for treatment. Several other officers sustained minor injuries, as documented in the official report.
The protest route eventually led to the Sector 7-8 roundabout, located just a short distance from the Punjab governor’s residence. This proximity to the governor’s official residence triggered heightened security protocols across the city. The demonstration also caused significant traffic disruptions throughout Chandigarh, affecting both daily commuters and students attending afternoon classes. Local businesses reported reduced foot traffic as the area remained congested for several hours.
Comprehensive List of Accused Individuals
The FIR names several prominent figures among the accused. These include Satinderjit Singh Gill, Kabal Singh Bhullar, Jagdeep Singh Kansala, Iqbal Singh Sandhu, Parmjit Singh Johal, former MLA Ajeeb Singh Makhmailpur, Chamkaur Singh Dhunn, advocate Iman Singh Khara, Jaswinder Singh Droli, Iqbal Singh Chunda, Karnail Singh Panjoli, Lakha Sidhana, Bhana Sidhu, and Lakhvir Singh Lakha. Each individual faces multiple charges related to the incident.
Authorities have accused the protesters of damaging government property, obstructing public servants from carrying out their duties, and creating unnecessary difficulties for road users through their blockades. Video footage and photographs taken during the demonstration have been collected as evidence for the ongoing legal proceedings. The case was registered at the Sector 49 police station on Thursday morning, with charges framed under Sections 121(1) for voluntary hurt, Section 132 for assault on public servants, and Section 223 for disobedience of lawful orders.
Individuals convicted in this case could face imprisonment ranging from one to five years, along with applicable fines. Legal experts suggest that the comprehensive documentation of the incident, including video evidence and witness statements, will strengthen the prosecution’s case. The incident has drawn attention from political leaders across Punjab, with various parties expressing their views on the matter. Police officials have assured that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure justice is served while maintaining public order in the region.