Gurgaon: Sec 144 imposed in Bhondsi,Panchayat meeting postponed

The 12-member SIT team will be led by DCP (South) Ashok Bakshi

A panchayat scheduled to be held in Bhondsi village on Sunday morning was postponed as Section 144 has been imposed in the area till January 29.

A state bus was set on fire and a school bus was pelted with stones in Bhondsi on January 24. (HT PHOTO)

The villagers met the Special investigation team (SIT) team officials and requested them to conduct a fair inquiry into the violence that broke out in Bhondsi and Sohna on January 24.

The 12-member SIT was formed by the Gurgaon police commissioner. It includes ACPs, inspectors and assistant sub-inspectors and will be led by of DCP (South) Ashok Bakshi.

The SIT is collecting scientific evidence, checking CCTV footage, videos made by the public and trying to identify the accused who were involved in the violence during which a bus was set ablaze and a school bus carrying students was also pelted with stones.

“The DCP has given us the assurance that justice will be done and those apprehended won’t be punished if found innocent. We will meet the Gurgaon police commissioner on Tuesday and request him to ensure prompt action as our children, who are not involved in these incidents, are lodged in the Faridabad observation home,” Sanjay Raghav, former village head, said.

“My son was returning from school and was in his uniform when police apprehended him. If there is evidence against him, I am ready to let him remain in the observation home. But if not, why should he suffer?” Anil Raghav, father of one of the apprehended juveniles, said.

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Another parent, Jai Prakash said, “If there is a shred of evidence against our children, show it to us. We don’t believe a word of what the police are saying. Our children have been framed.”

The SIT officials have started the probe and said they will ensure that justice is done. “We will conduct an inquiry and submit the report soon. We have met the villagers and have asked them to cooperate with us during the probe,” Ashok Bakshi, DCP South, said.

On January 24, the police had apprehended eight juveniles on multiple charges, including attempt to murder, rioting, snatching, damaging government property and preventing government employees from discharging their duty. They are lodged in the Faridabad observation home.