Clash Erupts Over Gurdwara Control in Sultanpur Lodhi, Leaving One Dead and Eight Injured

Clash Erupts Over Gurdwara Control in Sultanpur Lodhi, Leaving One Dead and Eight Injured

SULTANPUR LODHI—A violent altercation over the control of Gurdwara Akal Bunga Sahib in Sultanpur Lodhi, India, has resulted in one fatality and eight injuries, including four police officers. The clash erupted when police attempted to evict a faction of Nihangs, a Sikh sect known for their blue robes and customary carrying of arms, from the gurdwara premises.

According to police reports, a dispute between two Nihang factions over possession of the gurdwara had been simmering for some time. When police intervened to resolve the dispute and vacate the gurdwara, they were met with “unprovoked” firing from the Nihangs.

The incident claimed the life of Jaspal Singh, a 50-year-old police officer stationed at Sultanpur Lodhi. Eight others, including four police officers, sustained injuries in the ensuing chaos. Police retaliated by using tear gas shells to disperse the Nihangs, who also resorted to hurling stones at the officers.

Authorities have swiftly responded to the incident, arresting five individuals and recovering weapons from the scene. A murder case has been registered, and further investigations are underway to bring the perpetrators to justice. This incident highlights the growing tensions within the Nihang community and underscores the need for effective conflict resolution strategies to prevent such violence in the future.