7 cops injured after Sikhs wielding swords attack them as they were denied permission to hold procession in Nanded gurdwara

Mumbai, March 30

Police have arrested 22 people on the charge of attempt to murder in connection with an attack on policemen by a mob of sword-wielding Sikhs in Nanded after they were denied permission to hold a public procession due to the COVID-19 pandemic, an official said on Tuesday.

The Wazirabad police in Maharashtra’s Nanded district have identified and named 74 people in three FIRs registered in connection with Monday’s incident at the Sri Hazur Sahib gurdwara, and filed cases against over 500 unidentified people.

The official said all the arrested accused and wanted persons have been booked on the charges of attempt to murder, rioting and under provisions of Arms Act.

A viral video showed the sword-wielding mob barging out of the gurdwara, breaking the barricades put up by police and attacking the policemen.

Seven policemen were injured and eight vehicles were damaged in the violence. The condition of one of the injured policemen was serious, the official said.

The police were also trying to ascertain if anyone from the gurdwara committee had any role in the incident, he said.

“We have arrested 22 people till now on charges of attempt to murder, rioting, and under provisions of the Arms Act and other sections. Around 74 people have been named in the FIRs, while search is on for others,” Deputy Inspector General of Police, Nanded Range, Nisar Tamboli told PTI.

The officer on Monday said permission for the Hola Mohalla public procession was not granted due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“The gurdwara committee was informed and they had assured us that they would abide by our directives and hold the event on the gurdwara premises,” he had said.

However, when the Nishan Sahib was brought at the gate around 4 pm on Monday, several participants started arguing and over 300 youth stormed out of the gate, broke the barricades and began attacking the policeman, he had said. PTI

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