Tension in Harda as police clash with Karni Sena protesters

Bhopal: Tension gripped Harda district on Sunday after police resorted to lathi-charge, water cannons, and tear gas to disperse Karni Sena Parivar volunteers protesting over the arrest of their leaders.Over 60 members, including national president Jeevan Singh Sherpur, were arrested, prompting authorities to impose prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).Considering the situation, police force from nearby districts was also called in.On Sunday morning, volunteers of the organisation blocked a road and staged protests. Police initially tried to disperse the crowd with persuasion. When protesters refused to budge, tear gas shells were fired, and water cannons were used. Police then resorted to baton charge to clear the area."The situation is under control now. More than 60 people were arrested, and prohibitory orders under Section 163 of BNS were issued," SP Harda Abhinav Chouksey told TOI.He added, "Mild force had to be used to disperse the crowd. The protestors who came from nearby districts were also sent back. Security has been beefed up. Police force from nearby districts were also called upon."Sources said that an office bearer of Karni Sena Parivar, named Ashish Singh Rajput, made a complaint with police earlier that he was defrauded of Rs 18 lakh by accused Mohit Verma and two others. On Saturday, police arrested Mohit Verma and were taking him to court when the volunteers of Karni Sena Parivar allegedly intercepted police and demanded to hand over the accused to them. "They were carrying sticks and seeking custody of the accused," Chouksey said.Sources said that when the situation escalated on Saturday, police arrested Karni Sena district president Sunil Rajput, Ashish Rajput, and two others. Sunday's protest was in response to those arrests, added sources.