25 booked after clash over gurdwara panel in Muktsar's Bhundar village

The Kotbhai police have booked 25 persons from two rival factions, including the sitting sarpanch of Bhundar village in the Gidderbaha Assembly segment here, following a clash over the management committee of a village gurdwara.

The accused include Amandeep Singh, who allegedly owes allegiance to the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Five persons have been rounded up in connection with the incident that took place on Friday.

Muktsar SP (Investigation) Manmeet Singh Dhillon said a cross FIR had been registered against 18 persons from one faction and seven from the other, besides several unidentified individuals.

“The clash erupted over the presidency of the village gurdwara management committee on Friday. Five persons have been rounded up so far,” he said.

The officer added that allegations of firing during the clash were being verified. Doctors’ opinions would also be sought to ascertain the nature of the injuries sustained by the victims.

Notably, four persons, including former sarpanch Sukhdev Singh, were injured during the clash that took place inside the Gurdwara Baba Bhundar Sahib complex. Three of them reportedly sustained pellet injuries, while another was attacked with a sharp-edged weapon.

Three vehicles were also vandalised during the incident. The injured were admitted to Muktsar Civil Hospital.

The police have booked the accused under Sections 109 (attempt to murder), 118(1) (voluntarily causing grievous hurt), 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 191(3) (rioting with a deadly weapon), 190 (unlawful assembly) and 324(2) (mischief causing damage) of the BNS, along with Sections 25 (possession of illegal arms) and 27 (use of arms) of the Arms Act.