Golden Temple sacrilege suspect's photo released, booked for murder bid

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, December 19

Day after a man was beaten to death at the Golden Temple after an alleged sacrilege attempt in the sanctum sanctorum, the police have booked the suspect under Section 307 (attempted murder) — as Guru Granth Sahib is believed to be a living entity — and 295 A (outraging religious feelings) of the IPC.

Also read: SIT report on Golden Temple sacrilege bid in 2 days: Deputy CM

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The suspect remains unidentified as he didn’t carry any ID. The police said they were reviewing the security footage of the shrine. Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa said the suspect wore his hair short, and had blue jeans on besides a jacket. He entered the complex alone around 11.30 am on Saturday and spent seven hours inside the complex, even taking a nap near the Akal Takht.

“We’re in touch with the SGPC officials and the on-duty staffers in connection with the case,” said the minister. Police Commissioner Gill said his department had secured the security footage of the Inter State Bus Terminus, railway station and nearby markets besides roads to the shrine to ascertain the possible route taken by the suspect.

“We are trying to zero in on the sequence of events. Our prime focus is to know about the suspect. We have circulated his photographs,” said Gill. “Reports about his UP connection are unconfirmed,” he said. The body has been kept for autopsy and investigators are trying to see if he was under the influence of any substance.

The Deceased

The police have released the picture of the Golden Temple sacrilege bid suspect on Saturday. DCP (Law and Order) Parminder Singh Bhandal said: “We have released the photo to get leads about his background.”

Spent 7 hours in shrine complex

• Suspect entered Golden Temple alone around 11.30 am on Saturday
• He spent seven hours inside, and even took a nap near Akal Takht
• From appearance, he could be from outside Punjab, says Police Commissioner