An argument during the meeting of Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) led to a violent clash between members of two political parties in the premises of Gurdwara Rakabganj Sahib near Parliament House on Thursday morning.
The incident took place ahead of elections of Sikh Gurudwara Prabhandak Committee scheduled for the next month, leaving at least 11 people injured. The executive board meeting was being conducted to chalk out plans for elections next month.
According to the police, members and supporters of Shiromani Akali Dal-Delhi and Shiromani Akali Dal-Badal attacked each other with swords/kirpans, lathis and stones. Both the groups also alleged that shots were fired inside the premises of the gurdwara, but the police denied it. “There was no evidence of firing. It could not be verified. It appears to be a case of rumour mongering,” Delhi police spokesperson Rajan Bhagat said.
The situation was brought under control after several police teams rushed to the gurdwara. “Of the 11 injured, six people belong to SAD (Badal), while five belong to SAD (Delhi) group,” another senior police official said. Injured members of the SAD (Badal) group were rushed to Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, while SAD (Delhi) group’s injured members were taken to Safdarjung Hospital.
The violence broke out in the Rakabganj Gurdwara between the supporters of DSGPC president Paramjeet Singh Sarna and Akali Dal Delhi chief Manjeet Singh after the latter was allegedly not allowed to attend a meeting.
Mr Sarna disapproved of presence of Mr Manjit’s supporters and asked them to leave the venue.
Mr Manjit claims that he, Amarjit and Satnam were special invitees to the meeting and also produced a letter sent to him by DSGMC general secretary Gurmit Singh Shunty. Paramjit, however, claims that the letter was sent without his permission and therefore invalid.
“We reached DSGMC’s office at 10.30 am, but were not allowed to enter the office by Paramjit and his armed guards,” Mr Manjit said in his statement to the police. “When I asked Paramjit as to why I was not being permitted to enter despite having a letter of invitation, Paramjit told his armed guards to chop off my head without any reason,” he added.
Mr Manjit also alleges that Paramjit hit him with his kirpan due to which he suffered head injuries and fell down on the ground. “Paramjit’s armed guards also attacked Amarjit,” Mr Manjit said.
Immediately, more members and supporters of SAD (Badal) reached at the spot and were involved in a violent clash with SAD (Delhi) group and armed DSGMC task-force.
Paramjit claims that SAD (Badal) members and supporters had turned violent after which SAD (Delhi) supporters and DSGMC task-force acted to bring the situation under control. Flower pots and window panes were broken during the violence.
Eleven persons suffered injuries in the scuffle and two of them have serious injuries, the police said.
A cross-case against the two groups under section 141 (unlawful assembly), 142 (being member of unlawful assembly), 144 (joining unlawful assembly armed with deadly weapon) and 147 (rioting) of the Indian Penal Code is likely to be lodged at the Parliament Street police station.