TNR News Network
Paonta Sahib: A tense situation unfolded on Saturday (June 14, 2025) outside the Majra police station in Sirmaur district as Himachal Pradesh BJP president Rajeev Bindal confronted Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Gunjit Cheema during a protest over the alleged abduction of a minor Hindu girl.
The case, which has already stirred considerable unrest in the area, involves the disappearance of a minor girl from Paonta Sahib with a Muslim youth on June 5. Due to the girl’s age, a kidnapping case has been filed. The issue has triggered communal sensitivities and sparked confrontations between local residents and the administration.
Crowd armed with sticks marched towards accused’s house
On Friday, tensions escalated when a crowd, armed with sticks and lathis, marched towards the accused’s residence at Paddooni village. SDM Cheema was present at the site and was seen holding a stick himself, an action that drew criticism.
In the scuffle that followed, at least 10 persons, including three police personnel, sustained injuries due to stone-pelting.
On Saturday, Rajeev Bindal, a former MLA and current BJP state president, joined demonstrators in a sit-in outside the police station. During the protest, a heated exchange took place between him and SDM Cheema.
Bindal objects to SDM’s conduct during protest
Bindal objected to the SDM’s conduct, 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 a part of the crowd.”
Cheema responded by defending his actions, stating that several women protesters were carrying sticks and that he had to prepare for any possible attack. However, women in the crowd denied having weapons. Despite their denial, video footage from Friday reportedly shows people holding sticks. Following the confrontation, SDM Cheema left the protest site.
Addressing the crowd later, Sirmaur ASP Yogesh Rolta provided key updates. He confirmed that the minor girl had been located and recovered by the police. He said cases had been filed against those involved in throwing stones from rooftops and identification efforts were ongoing. He also noted that a complaint had been registered against certain police personnel, which has been forwarded to the Superintendent of Police for review.
Officials said Section 163 of the CrPC had been enforced to prevent mass gatherings, and information regarding the girl would only be shared with her immediate family members in private. SDM Cheema reiterated that police were handling the matter appropriately and urged people not to gather or escalate tensions.
The accused, Mohsin Ali from Keeratpur, has been accused of eloping with the minor girl from the Hindu community. The incident has caused significant unrest in the region.
