Covid centre set up by Hemkunt Foundation in Gurgaon vandalised, police register FIR

A Covid relief camp set up by the Hemkunt Foundation in Gurgaon’s Sector 61 was vandalised by a group of men on Thursday morning. Volunteers at the camp alleged that 10-20 men with sticks broke in and damaged furniture, beds and tents. No patients were admitted to the centre at the time.

The incident took place around 8 am, when around 8-10 volunteers were at the camp. Seeing the men, they rushed to the security guard who took them outside.

Harteerath Singh, community development director at Hemkunt, posted photos of damaged tents and the Covid centre after the incident. He told The Indian Express: “I have been receiving death threats for days and have complained to the police. The goons entered and started destroying everything. Thankfully, our volunteers rushed to a secure place and saved themselves….”

Singh said the foundation has lodged a complaint in the matter. Police said they arrived at the centre, along with the local administration, in 10-20 minutes.

Subhash Boken, Gurgaon Police PRO, said, “We will be conducting an enquiry in the matter. The organisation was in contact with a tent house company and was in possession of the land through a verbal agreement. Since there were no patients at the centre, the company asked the volunteers to vacate the place. There was a dispute over this. We have received a complaint from the volunteers and will take action.”

Gurgaon Police later said an FIR has been registered under sections of criminal intimidation, mischief causing damage and voluntarily causing hurt.

Deputy Commissioner of Gurgaon Yash Garg also visited the centre and told the media that they will be conducting an enquiry and the issue will be resolved soon.

Singh said, “Our banners, tents, beds and other equipment have been damaged… We used the centre for patients and also for refilling oxygen cylinders. We have around 100 cylinders or more. We want to continue serving people and need access to land in Gurgaon for the same.”