‘Attacking under Guru Granth Sahib’s cover was cowardice…’: Punjab DGP speaks about Ajnala incident

New Delhi: Protesters attacked policemen at Ajnala police station on February 23 to demand the release of radical Sikh leader Amritpal Singh’s aide, Lovepreet Singh. Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav addressed the press and while briefing about the incident, he assured that action is being taken against the attackers. He also called people attacking police while hiding behind Guru Granth Sahib ‘coward’.

Yadav said that the protesters demanded a peaceful protest as they has their doubts about the veracity of the FIR against Lovepreet in a kidnapping case. He added that keeping in mind the democratic traditions, the police gave permission for a peaceful protest.

DGP Yadav said that police were attacked yesterday, and sharp-edged weapons and stones were pelted. He added that the attack was done under the cover of Guru Granth Sahib and Palki Sahib, injuring six policemen. Yadav assured that police worked with utmost restraint to maintain the dignity of Guru Granth Sahib and referred to the attack under Guru Granth Sahib’s cover as ‘an act of cowardice’.

Police worked with utmost restraint to maintain the dignity of Guru Granth Sahib. Attacking the Police under its cover was an act of cowardice: Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav on Ajnala incident pic.twitter.com/W7p0Z0s8Sy

— ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2023

International hockey player Jugraj Singh was also attacked with a sharp-edged weapon and got 11 stitches. DGP said that the video footage of the incident is being analysed and police will take the appropriate action.

SSP Amritsar Rural informed that he was assured that they’d(protesters)stop wherever they’re stopped. But Police was attacked y’day, sharp-edged weapons were used, stones were pelted.Attack was done under cover of Guru Granth Sahib&Palki Sahib,6 Police persons injured: Punjab DGP pic.twitter.com/5g2gQtW2Lc

— ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2023

Some reports suggest that the attackers carried swords and guns. Videos of the incident went viral on the internet, which showed people breaking the barricading and showering attacks with sticks.

Punjab | Lovepreet Toofan, a close aide of ‘Waris Punjab De’ chief Amritpal Singh released from Amritsar Jail pic.twitter.com/EmcXif2inZ

— ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2023

Lovepreet Singh aka Lovepreet Toofan was released from prison on February 24. Ajnala court ordered his release based on an application by the police.