Five Arrested in Uttarakhand for Allegedly Attacking Police During Operation Prahaar
In a dramatic escalation of violence, five people were arrested for allegedly attacking police personnel at check posts in Rishikesh and Vikasnagar, Uttarakhand. The incidents occurred during a routine checking drive under the ongoing Operation Prahaar on the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday, highlighting heightened tensions in the region.
Rishikesh Incident: Gunfire and Arrest
In Rishikesh, the accused, identified as Imran, allegedly opened fire when he was asked to stop his car for checking at a barricade. Rishikesh SP (rural) Jaya Baluni provided details, stating, "Imran was travelling from Dehradun when officers signaled him to halt. Instead, he turned his car back and opened fire at them with a countrymade pistol before abandoning his vehicle and fleeing into the forest."
She added that the police team opened fire in retaliation and eventually overpowered him before he could fire at them again, leading to his arrest. A case was registered against Imran under sections 109 (attempt to murder) and 340 (forgery) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with sections 3 and 25 of the Arms Act.
Vikasnagar Incident: Car Hits Constable
The second incident took place in Vikasnagar, where a Haryana-registered car carrying five men sped past a barricade, hitting a constable in the process. Dehradun SSP Pramendra Dobal explained, "The car later came to a halt after ramming into the divider, injuring its driver. Police took the injured constable and the accused driver to hospital for treatment while arresting the remaining four occupants."
A case has been registered against the accused under sections 121(2) (voluntarily causing hurt to a public servant), 132 (criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging his duty), 281 (rash or negligent driving or riding on a public road), and 109(1) (attempt to murder) of the BNS.
Background of Operation Prahaar
Operation Prahaar was launched in Dehradun following a gun chase incident that led to the death of a retired brigadier. Acting on directives from the Director General of Police (DGP), police have intensified targeted operations against criminal elements to strengthen law and order in the state capital. This initiative aims to curb rising crime rates and ensure public safety through rigorous checks and swift action.
The arrests underscore the challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining security during such drives, with authorities emphasizing zero tolerance for violence against police personnel. The incidents have sparked concerns about criminal activities in the area, prompting calls for enhanced vigilance and community cooperation.
