Punjab govt orders probe into desecration of a holy book

Chandigarh: The Punjab government on Wednesday ordered a judicial probe into the desecration of a holy book in Faridkot district and announced a cash reward of Rs 1 crore on information leading to the arrest of those involved.

Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal in a statement described the incident as a "conspiracy aimed at inciting communal tension and destabilising the hard won peace in Punjab".

Badal said his government has also ordered a probe into the clash that followed the incident and assured people of "exemplary punishment" to the culprits.

The Chief Minister directed state police chief to constitute an SIT under ADGP (Crime) I P S Sahota along with DIG (Bathinda Range) R S Khattra and DIG (Ferozepur Range) Amar Singh Chahal to track down the culprits.

Badal also warned the people of the state about "canards and false propaganda" being spread by anti-social elements through social media to vitiate the atmosphere of peace and communal harmony.

State Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal announced a cash award of Rs 1 crore for information leading to the arrest of those who desecrated the holy book.

"Anyone having information about the incident should contact Bathinda Range DIG Ranbir Singh Khattra (mobile - 94172-13380)," he said in a statement, adding that the identity of the informer would be kept secret.