Main accused in Patiala clashes held, arrested on way to airport

CHANDIGARH: Barjinder Singh Parwana, the master brain behind the clashes at Patiala in Punjab, has been arrested. Police arrested him from Mohali while he was on his way to Chandigarh Airport. Barjinder Singh is the self-proclaimed head of the Damdami Raxel, a Sikh cultural organization in Rajpura.

Police said that he has been an accused in several cases before. Barjinder Singh has previously been charged with attempted murder, possession of a firearm, intimidation and breach of disaster management law.

The clashes erupted during an anti-Khalistan rally in Patiala on Friday led by Shiv Sena Working President Harish Singla. The rally was marred by the chanting of the slogan Khalistan Murdabad.

As the slogan rose, some Sikhs, members of pro-Khalistan organizations, took to the streets with swords. The incident took place near the Kali Mata Temple in Patiala. Four people were injured, including two police officers.