Shiv Sena protest turns violent in Muktsar; Sikh youth assaulted, tensions rise 

A protest by Shiv Sena Punjab workers turned violent in Muktsar on Wednesday when a Sikh youth was allegedly assaulted by protesters near the local bus stand. The demonstration, led by state president Rajesh Garg, was organised to demand the arrest of those involved in an attack on their district president Ravi Kumar on May 29.

During the protest, traffic was disrupted, and a car driven by one Gurwinder Singh approached the site, requesting passage to go to a hospital. An argument reportedly broke out, following which the protesters allegedly dragged him out of the vehicle, tore his clothes and beat him. Though Gurwinder tried to defend himself, he was overpowered. An eyewitness said that he was rescued by passersby and then he managed to flee. The protest ended shortly after the incident.

Subsequently, the police launched an investigation and registered a case of assault.

Meanwhile, Gurwinder was admitted to the local civil hospital.

He demanded the arrest of the accused and the suspension of two policemen who were present at the spot as security guards for Rajesh Garg. He warned of protests by Sikh organisations if action was not taken by Thursday.

Manmeet Singh Dhillon, SP (D), Muktsar, confirmed that efforts were under way to arrest those involved.

The incident has drawn sharp criticism from the officiating Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj. He condemned not only the Muktsar assault but also an alleged attack on an elderly Sikh, Jagtar Singh, in Rampura Phul in Bathinda, where the victim’s turban was allegedly disrespected and his beard torn off.

Gargajj described these acts as deeply painful. A team from the local gurdwara also visited the assaulted youth in the hospital in Muktsar on the Jathedar’s orders.