PNS | DEHRADUN
The police have arrested three men in connection with the looting, vandalism and assault at a showroom in Rishikesh. The accused have been identified as Dharamveer, Raja and Raju, all residents of Rishikesh.
According to Dehradun senior superintendent of police Ajai Singh, complainant Ranjit Singh filed a written complaint at Kotwali Rishikesh, alleging that a mob ransacked his showroom, damaged property, physically assaulted him and his staff and used abusive language. He further claimed that the accused attempted to incite religious sentiments.
The accused allegedly attacked the complainant and vandalised his showroom over a parking issue outside his establishment. Singh said that the police registered a case under serious charges and initiated an investigation. “Based on CCTV footage and preliminary evidence, the police arrested three men involved in the incident. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend three other named suspects under the supervision of Rishikesh superintendent of police,” he said. He informed that the arrested individuals are currently being interrogated to uncover further details regarding the attack and any potential motives. The incident has sparked concerns over communal harmony in Rishikesh, with police emphasising that no attempts to disrupt peace will be tolerated.
The SSP has also urged the public to maintain peace and assured strict legal action against anyone attempting to disturb religious harmony. Meanwhile, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) strongly condemned the alleged mob attack on Ranjit Singh and his brother and the vandalism of their showroom. In a statement issued on Monday, the chief secretary of SGPC Kulwant Singh Manan urged chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to take strict action against those responsible for the violence.
