Asaram supporters clash with cops
Demanding the self-styled godman’s release, several supporters of Asaram Babu attacked personnel at the Parliament Street police station on Monday night with sticks and stones.
Seven policemen were injured in the attack including a woman constable who was allegedly bitten by one of the supporters. Asaram has been lodged at Rajasthan’s Jodhpur Central Jail since September 2013 for allegedly assaulting a 16-year-old.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Romil Baniya said while a smaller group has been on a sit-in performing pujas for Asaram’s release since the past three years, nearly a thousand others had joined them over the past two weeks.
“On Sunday, nearly a thousand of his supporters gathered at Jantar Mantar. Carrying placards and banners, they claimed he was framed. It was all peaceful till Sunday afternoon, after which they started assembling at Parliament Street defying prohibitory orders,” said Mr. Baniya.
Several hours of negotiations failed and half of the members started moving towards the Parliament Street police station around 10.30 p.m. on Sunday. Anticipating violence, personnel from nearby police stations and paramilitary forces were told to report there.
Nearly two hours later, the police told the group to leave saying they did not have any role in Asaram’s arrest or control over his release.
“The group was requested to clear the area, but they all turned violent and started throwing stones. Six police vehicles were damaged,” said a police officer.
The Barakhamba Road Station House Officer is among the seven personnel injured.
They are being treated at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. Some protestors claimed to have sustained injuries as well.
A case of rioting under the Indian Penal Code was filed at Parliament Street police station on Monday. Asaram supporters alleged that police resorted to lathi-charge, but senior police officers denied it.
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