Fazilka, October 13 — Police have registered a case against at least 13 people following a violent clash at the Shiromani Bhagat Baba Namdev Gurdwara in Fazilka over the post of the gurdwara’s managing committee president. The incident took place on Saturday morning, leaving one person injured.
According to police, the clash broke out between two rival groups on the gurdwara premises amid a long-standing dispute over control of the managing committee, which has reportedly persisted for nearly four years.
In his statement to the Fazilka City police, Sarbjit Singh, son of the incumbent committee president Parmjit Singh, alleged that a group led by Satnam Singh of Mastuana Sahib in Sangrur district arrived at the gurdwara around 8:30 am and demanded his father’s resignation from the post.
“When my father refused to step down, they began shouting abuses,” Sarbjit told police. “They brought sharp weapons from a car parked outside and attacked me. I sustained injuries on my head, shoulder, and arms.” He was admitted to the Civil Hospital Fazilka for treatment.
Police said the accused allegedly attempted to forcefully take control of the gurdwara committee’s affairs. The confrontation soon escalated into a scuffle, leading to the assault.
Those booked include Satnam Singh, president of the All India Tank Kshatriya Sabha (Punjab unit), who also oversees the functioning of several gurdwaras named after Baba Namdev across the state. Others named in the FIR are Satpal Singh, Ishwar Verma, Jeet Sagar, Pritam Singh Ghoga, Jawinderpal Singh, Gurwinder Singh, Davinder Singh, Sunil Kumar, and four to five unidentified individuals, all residents of Fazilka.
A police official said the case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and that investigation is underway. “Statements of eyewitnesses are being recorded, and further action will follow based on medical and forensic reports,” the officer added.
Police are also looking into the background of the ongoing dispute to determine whether the attack was premeditated or the result of an escalation during the meeting.
