Fazilka gurdwara election row sparks clash

A scuffle broke out between two groups over the management of Gurdwara Baba Namdev in Fazilka on Saturday morning, leaving three people injured. One of them was admitted to the local Civil Hospital.

Tensions gripped the area on Abohar Road as members of both groups first exchanged heated words, which soon escalated into a physical clash. Some individuals allegedly attacked their rivals with swords and other sharp weapons.

According to sources, the dispute has been simmering for around four years. At present, the gurdwara’s affairs are handled by an 11-member committee headed by Paramjit Singh.

Singh alleged that the committee had long been managing the shrine’s affairs but “outsiders” stormed the premises on Saturday morning and attacked members with weapons.

On the other hand, Major Singh, Secretary of the Shiromani Bhagat Baba Namdev Gurudwara Management Committee, Punjab, claimed they had arrived to conduct long-overdue elections for the local committee president. He alleged that the current committee attacked them to “retain control” of the gurudwara in an “illegal” manner. The police said statements were being recorded and an FIR will be registered accordingly.