Jalandhar: A violent clash between two rival groups during Mayor Vineet Dhir’s Shukrana Yatra at the Devi Talab Temple in Jalandhar has taken a serious turn after CCTV footage of the incident surfaced, showing members of both sides attacking each other with punches, kicks, bricks and stones.
The footage, which emerged three days after the incident, has prompted police to register a case against 17 accused. Raids are underway to arrest those involved.
The incident took place on Sunday during a thanksgiving procession organised by Mayor Vineet Dhir after being entrusted with the responsibility of Jalandhar North constituency. The procession was attended by several Aam Aadmi Party leaders, supporters and local workers.
According to police, two rival groups with a long-standing feud were also present in the procession. An argument reportedly broke out near the temple complex and quickly escalated into a violent clash, with both groups pelting bricks and stones at each other.
Eyewitnesses said panic gripped the temple premises as people ran for safety amid the violence.
The clash was so intense that security personnel had to escort Mayor Vineet Dhir out of the temple complex. Viral CCTV footage shows police and security staff forming a protective cordon around the mayor before taking him to safety.
Police said the two groups continued pelting stones at each other even after the mayor had left the scene before fleeing.
Based on the CCTV footage and other evidence, police have identified and booked 17 accused. Officials said raids are being conducted at multiple locations and expressed confidence that the suspects would be arrested soon.
