Sangrur district in Punjab witnessed a tense standoff on Saturday when a truckers’ blockade on the key national highway sparked stone-throwing attacks on police and passersby. Bhavnigarh police responded with a robust operation, detaining more than 10 suspects as part of an intensifying investigation.
The protest, centered on operators’ demands, clogged the vital Bhavnigarh-Sangrur-Bathinda-Chandigarh route, leading to public outrage. SSP Sartaj Singh Chahal detailed how unruly elements exploited the chaos to hurl stones, prompting immediate FIR registration under stringent laws like the National Highways Act and public property damage clauses.
Multiple raid teams fanned out across locations, rounding up suspects for questioning. The SSP vowed zero tolerance for such disruptions, with enhanced patrols ensuring no recurrence. ‘Our priority is public safety; we’re fully geared up round-the-clock,’ he stated.
Authorities have appealed for public cooperation in maintaining peace, promising severe action against perpetrators. As operations persist, the incident highlights the need for regulated protest mechanisms to prevent escalation into violence.
Currently, calm prevails in the area, but vigilance remains paramount. This rapid police response not only quelled immediate threats but also reinforced commitment to upholding law amid growing mobility demands on India’s highways.
