Panchkula, Sept. 25 — A Haryana Police assistant sub-inspector was injured Tuesday when a shopkeeper and his family allegedly assaulted him inside the Mata Mansa Devi temple complex during Navratri festivities. Police said the officer was struck on the head with a stone, his uniform was torn, and other personnel were also roughed up in the altercation.
The incident took place when ASI Sukhjant Singh, posted at the Mansa Devi Complex (MDC) police station, visited the prasad market to investigate a complaint. According to his statement, he saw people manhandling PCR staff and intervened, only to be attacked from behind. “Sona, the shopkeeper’s wife, grabbed my arm and tore my uniform, while her son Sahil pulled out a stone and hit me on the head,” the officer said in his complaint.
Singh began bleeding heavily and was rushed to the Sector-6 civil hospital by fellow officers. Police have identified the accused as Mahendra Singh, his wife Sona, son Sahil and daughter Neha, residents of Bhaisa Tibba village. Mahendra and Sahil were arrested soon after and produced in court, where they were sent to judicial custody until October 8, SHO Virender Singh confirmed.
Security has been tightened in the temple’s prasad market following the clash. Additional patrolling has been ordered, and plainclothes officers have been deployed in the area.
A case has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges of voluntarily causing hurt, obstructing a public servant, unlawful assembly, rioting and criminal intimidation.
