Panchkula violence: IPS officer reinstated by Haryana govt

‘Subject to the final outcome of departmental proceedings pending against him’

Panchkula: Vans of television media broadcaters burn in violence following Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim’s conviction in Panchkula on Friday. PTI Photo (PTI8_25_2017_000206A)

The Haryana government on Saturday reinstated IPS officer Ashok Kumar who was suspended following large-scale violence in Panchkula after the conviction of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a rape case.

New posting

He has been posted as commandant, 1st Battalion, Haryana Armed Police, Ambala City, relieving Abhishek Jorwal from the additional charge of the post, an official spokesperson said here.

“The reinstatement of Mr. Kumar is subject to the final outcome of departmental proceedings pending against him,” he added.

On August 26, Mr. Kumar, the then deputy commissioner of police in Panchkula, was suspended by the Haryana government, a day after at least 35 people died in the district in violence triggered by the self-styled godman’s conviction.

The police and administration were blamed for failing to get prohibitory orders under section 144 of the CrPC effectively implemented in Panchkula.

Dera Sacha Sauda followers had gone on rampage on August 25 following the conviction of Ram Rahim Singh by a CBI court in Panchkula in a rape case.