Ahead of the Operation Bluestar anniversary, also known as Ghallughara Diwas, the Khanna police have taken Shiv Sena Hind leader Ajay Gupta, 35, into preventive custody. Gupta was reportedly making inflammatory and provocative posts on social media.
Ghallughara Diwas is observed on June 6 to mark Operation Bluestar, 1984. The Punjab Police remain on high alert to maintain law and order on this day.
Police sources said Gupta has been associated with the Shiv Sena for several years. He was provided two security personnel from PAP/IRB about eight months ago, but his security was recently withdrawn during a threat perception review.
“After his security was withdrawn, he got frustrated and indulged in wrong activities to get security again. At present, with Punjab observing Operation Bluestar anniversary events that began on June 1, it is crucial to maintain law and order. But Ajay Gupta is making provocative posts and statements on social media to create a law and order situation,” a senior Khanna police official said. According to police, Gupta’s posts have created tension between communities. “If preventive action is not taken immediately, the situation could take a serious turn. Hence, the Shiv Sena leader has been taken into custody under Sections 126 and 170 of the BNSS,” the official added.
Section 170 of the BNSS empowers police officers to arrest a person without a warrant or a magistrate’s order to prevent the commission of a cognisable offence. Section 126 of the BNSS empowers executive magistrates to take preventive measures against individuals reasonably suspected of being likely to disturb public peace or tranquillity.
