Pulwama attack: Ticket collector held for shouting pro-Pakistan slogans in Lonavla

PUNE: A junior ticket collector posted at Lonavla railway station was arrested for shouting “Pakistan Zindabad” when a group of people were paying homage to the 39 CRPF personnel who died in the suicide attack at Jammu & Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Thursday.
The Pune rural police arrested Upendrakumar Veer Bahadur Singh (39) at Shivaji Chowk in Lonavla near Pune around noon on charges of promoting enmity under section 153 (b) of the Indian Penal Code. A magisterial court has sent Singh to police custody till February 18.

K Jain, senior public relations officer of the Central Railway Mumbai division, said Singh has been suspended.

Superintendent of police (Pune rural) Sandip Patil told TOI, “Singh was on his way to the railway station when he stopped at the chowk on spotting local residents paying homage to the CRPF jawans. Singh suddenly began shouting “Pakistan Zindabad” which upset the sentiments of the people.”

Singh will be referred to a medical expert to ascertain whether he was under any mental distress.

Inspector Balwant Patil, in-charge of Lonavla City police station, said, “We had deployed sufficient number of policemen at the busy chowk when people began assembling. When Singh arrived. he shouted “Pakistan Zindabad” thrice. A police team took him into custody and brought him to the police station for questioning, There was no law and order problem. We have taken preventive measures for peace. We also sent all information to Singh’s superior.”

Businessman Arun Lad , who was in the group, told TOI, “Lonavla Citizens’ Group had circulated a message to the residents to assemble in large numbers for the tribute to the CRPF personnel. Over 400 people gathered at Shivaji Chowk. After paying homage, some stood up for speeches.When Singh arrived at the spot and shouted “Pakistan Zindabad”. We told him to stop, but he refused. He was unruly with the policemen who took him into custody.”