AT LEAST 16 police personnel, including a female constable, were injured during a protest near Rajiv Bhawan in State Capital on Wednesday, police said. Police had set up barricades and security arrangements to maintain law and order and manage the rally when a section of the crowd allegedly began throwing stones and bottles, triggering chaos and injuring 16 officers on duty. Two personnel sustained serious injuries. Raipur Police Commissioner Dr Sanjeev Shukla visited the hospital after being informed about the incident. He met the admitted officers, sought detailed updates from doctors on their condition and treatment,and directed that they receive all necessary medical care.

 

The Commissioner also praised the injured personnel for their duty and wished them a speedy recovery. Constable Kaleshwar Verma was admitted with breathing difficulty after getting trapped in the crowd during barricading operations and was immediately taken to hospital. Probationary Sub-Inspector Devraj Singh suffered a serious head injury after being struck by a bottle and is undergoing treatment under medical supervision. The remaining injured constables received first aid and were discharged. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Tarkeshwar Patel, ACP Nilesh Dwivedi and TI Rajesh Marai were present at the hospital during the visit. Police have said an inquiry into the incident is under way.