Tensions Rise in Paonta Sahib Over Alleged Abduction of Minor Girl
Protests Erupt Outside Police Station
Paonta Sahib: A significant disturbance occurred on Saturday, June 14, 2025, near the Majra police station in Sirmaur district, where Rajeev Bindal, the president of the Himachal Pradesh BJP, confronted Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Gunjit Cheema amid protests regarding the suspected abduction of a minor Hindu girl.
The incident, which has already caused considerable unrest in the region, involves the disappearance of a minor girl from Paonta Sahib alongside a Muslim youth on June 5. Given the girl's age, authorities have initiated a kidnapping case. This situation has heightened communal tensions and led to clashes between local residents and law enforcement.
Crowd Protests at Accused's Residence
On Friday, tensions escalated as a group armed with sticks marched towards the home of the accused in Paddooni village. SDM Cheema was present at the scene, reportedly holding a stick, which drew criticism from various quarters.
During the ensuing altercation, at least ten individuals, including three police officers, were injured due to stone-throwing.
Bindal Joins Protesters
On Saturday, Rajeev Bindal, a former MLA and the current BJP state president, participated in a sit-in protest outside the police station. A heated exchange occurred between him and SDM Cheema during the demonstration.
Bindal expressed his discontent with the SDM's behavior, stating, “Sir, you need to correct your tone. You were responsible for worsening the situation yesterday. Why were you carrying a stick? You are a magistrate, not part of the crowd.”
SDM Defends Actions
In response, Cheema defended his actions, claiming that several women protesters were armed with sticks, necessitating his preparedness for any potential aggression. However, women in the crowd denied possessing any weapons. Despite their claims, video evidence from Friday reportedly shows individuals wielding sticks. Following the confrontation, SDM Cheema departed from the protest site.
Updates from Law Enforcement
Later, Sirmaur ASP Yogesh Rolta addressed the crowd, providing crucial updates. He confirmed that the police had located and recovered the minor girl. He mentioned that cases had been filed against those responsible for throwing stones from rooftops, and efforts to identify them were ongoing. Additionally, a complaint against certain police personnel has been forwarded to the Superintendent of Police for further investigation.
Officials indicated that Section 163 of the CrPC had been invoked to prevent large gatherings, and information regarding the girl would only be disclosed to her immediate family privately. SDM Cheema reiterated that the police were managing the situation appropriately and urged the public to refrain from gathering or escalating tensions.
The accused, identified as Mohsin Ali from Keeratpur, is alleged to have eloped with the minor girl from the Hindu community, leading to significant unrest in the area.