Five devotees were injured inside the Golden temple after an unidentified individual armed with an iron rod attacked them on Friday. The assailant was later apprehended by the police, along with an aide who had accompanied him to the site.
Sikh Devotee in Critical Condition
One of the injured, a Sikh youth from Bathinda, is reported to be in critical condition and is currently receiving treatment in the emergency wing of the Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences & Research at Vallah.
Among the injured, two are sewadars (attendants) of the Golden Temple, while the remaining three devotees hail from Mohali, Bathinda, and Patiala, according to police sources.
Attack During New Nanakshahi Year Celebrations
The attack took place around noon inside the oldest Guru Ram Das inn near the community kitchen when Sikh devotees had gathered to pay obeisance at the Golden Temple, also known as Sachkhand Sri Harmandar Sahib, on the occasion of the new Nanakshahi year.
A police officer revealed that “the second accused allegedly conducted recce along with the one who attacked devotees.”
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SGPC Calls for Strict Action
The Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC), which manages the revered Sikh shrine, has strongly condemned the attack, describing it as part of a larger conspiracy.
“The assailant started attacking the devotees with an iron rod, out of the blue,” the SGPC stated.
SGPC Secretary Partap Singh has urged law enforcement to take immediate and stringent action against the culprits and disclose their identities to the public.
“All the injured individuals were immediately admitted to the SGPC-run Sri Guru Ramdas Hospital, where all necessary medical arrangements are being provided,” Singh confirmed.
Security Measures and Investigation Underway
Thanks to SGPC’s swift response and surveillance using CCTV cameras installed within the Sri Darbar Sahib complex, the accused were quickly apprehended and handed over to the police.
Singh expressed concern over the incident, stating that such attacks are aimed at disturbing peace at Sachkhand Sri Harmandar Sahib and instilling fear among Sikh devotees worldwide.
Police officials are actively investigating the motive behind the attack and have assured that stringent action will be taken against those responsible. Further updates on the case are awaited as authorities continue their inquiry.
