Akali factions clash at Delhi gurdwara, 11 hurt
16 Nov 2012 6:36 AM IST
A clash between two factions broke at the Delhi Gurdwara of Rakab Ganj in New Delhi on Thursday morning, leaving 11 injured, including two in a critical condition.
A meeting was being held at Gurdwara Rakab Ganj in central Delhi to discuss a proposed amendment bill ahead of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee elections. It turned violent when the members of the Akali Dal Delhi Sarna (ADDS) group were not allowed inside the premises.
‘A heated argument broke between supporters of the Shiromani Akali Dal Badal (Delhi) group and the ADDS group. It turned violent, and both factions drew kirpans’, said a bystander.
Though police officials denied reports that guns were taken out, it was confirmed by members of the Gurdwara that ten rounds of firing took place. ‘The two groups used kirpans, swords and stones and fired at each other,’ said Harmeet Singh Jolly, a member of the youth group. Manjit Singh, Shiromani Akali Dal Badal (SADB) president (Delhi) and All India general secretary, and Chaman Singh were among those injured. They were immediately taken to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital.
‘Of the 11 injured, six belong to the SADB group, and five belong to the ADDS group. The SADB group was rushed to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, while ADDS group was sent to Safdarjung Hospital,’ sources said.
‘15 to 20 members of SADB entered the premises of the Rakab Ganj Gurdwara around 11 am on Thursday to attend an executive body meeting. It was organised by the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee,’ said a police official. ‘Manjit Singh was the only member of the executive body in that group and he was told by the ADDS group to enter the meeting alone. But he wanted to go with his members,’ said the officer.
‘The issue led to a heated argument and then Manjit’s group started breaking flower pots and throwing stones. The ADDS group also attacked Manjit and his group with swords and sticks,’ said sources.
‘Reinforcements of police personnel have been deputed at the spot to control the situation. It is under control now, though no arrests have been made yet,’ said a senior police official.
‘Police has registered cases against both groups for creating panic and a riot-like situation in the area. Further investigation is on,’ he added.
A meeting was being held at Gurdwara Rakab Ganj in central Delhi to discuss a proposed amendment bill ahead of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee elections. It turned violent when the members of the Akali Dal Delhi Sarna (ADDS) group were not allowed inside the premises.
‘A heated argument broke between supporters of the Shiromani Akali Dal Badal (Delhi) group and the ADDS group. It turned violent, and both factions drew kirpans’, said a bystander.
Though police officials denied reports that guns were taken out, it was confirmed by members of the Gurdwara that ten rounds of firing took place. ‘The two groups used kirpans, swords and stones and fired at each other,’ said Harmeet Singh Jolly, a member of the youth group. Manjit Singh, Shiromani Akali Dal Badal (SADB) president (Delhi) and All India general secretary, and Chaman Singh were among those injured. They were immediately taken to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital.
‘Of the 11 injured, six belong to the SADB group, and five belong to the ADDS group. The SADB group was rushed to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, while ADDS group was sent to Safdarjung Hospital,’ sources said.
‘15 to 20 members of SADB entered the premises of the Rakab Ganj Gurdwara around 11 am on Thursday to attend an executive body meeting. It was organised by the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee,’ said a police official. ‘Manjit Singh was the only member of the executive body in that group and he was told by the ADDS group to enter the meeting alone. But he wanted to go with his members,’ said the officer.
‘The issue led to a heated argument and then Manjit’s group started breaking flower pots and throwing stones. The ADDS group also attacked Manjit and his group with swords and sticks,’ said sources.
‘Reinforcements of police personnel have been deputed at the spot to control the situation. It is under control now, though no arrests have been made yet,’ said a senior police official.
‘Police has registered cases against both groups for creating panic and a riot-like situation in the area. Further investigation is on,’ he added.
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