Chandigarh, Apr 16 (IANS): The Punjab government on Thursday decided to promote the policeman whose hand was severed and re-implanted in a clash with Nihang Sikhs in Patiala while imposing curfew restrictions to contain the spread of coronavirus.

Assistant Sub Inspector Harjeet Singh, who lost his hand while bravely fighting off an attack in Patiala on April 12, has been promoted to the rank of Sub Inspector in recognition of his exemplary courage, while three other police personnel involved in the incident have been awarded the Director General's Commendation Disc, an official statement said.

The decision was taken by Director General of Police, Dinkar Gupta, after consulting Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Thursday.

Inspector Bikkar Singh, ASI Raghbir Singh and ASI Raj Singh are the other three police officers awarded for display of exemplary courage and devotion to duty.

Making an exception from the laid down norms, Gupta also conferred the DGP's Commendation Disc on Yadwinder Singh, a non-uniformed official of the Mandi Board, who was on duty at the time of the incident.