Vehicles of Chandigarh mayor, BJP leader Sanjay Tandon ‘attacked’ in Sector 48

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 17

Some protesters on Saturday allegedly attacked vehicles of Sanjay Tandon, co-incharge, BJP Himachal and Chandigarh, and Mayor Ravi Kant Sharma in Sector 48 here.

They had gone there to attend a function. The front and rear windshields of their cars were reportedly broken.

Five people who were detained as they gathered at Sector 31 police station to protest against the arrest of farm activists were released in the evening.

However, activists have denied the role of farmers in the attack. They alleged that activists had only shown black flags to the leaders and police had detained them `unlawfully'.

More people, in Sector 49, who were arrested in the afternoon are also expected to be released.

But Tandon claimed they were returning after attending the event they were attacked with rods and sticks. They were also allegedly pelted with stones.

According to information, the BJP leaders had to attend an event at 11 am at the motor market in Sector 48.

But, a video was circulated on Friday night by a group of men who asked people to reach the venue in large numbers on Saturday to protest against the BJP leaders and Tandon. 

The former city BJP chief had informed the police about it on Friday night. "The arrangement by the police was poor. They should not have allowed people, most of whom were outsiders, to attack our vehicles," Tandon said.

The BJP leaders, who reached the venue after 11 am, saw people raising slogans in favour of farmers on their route. But, after an hour when the event was over, they came out, and were allegedly attacked.

"They tried as if they wanted to kill us. They came in front of our vehicles. They attacked our vehicles with sticks and rods and pelted them with stones. They were trying to enter inside the cars. Luckily, we remained unhurt, but our vehicles were damaged," Tandon said.

He said they seemed to be anti-social elements who had joined the farmers’ protest.

Meanwhile, the BJP leaders led by Tandon met the SSP at Sector 34 police station. The police have assured them strict action. Some of the attackers have been rounded up as well.