In a tragic turn of events in Sultanpur Lodhi, Kapurthala, a clash between Punjab Police and Nihang Sikhs has claimed the life of Constable Jaspal Singh and left five other officers injured. The conflict revolves around the control of Gurdwara Akal Bunga, situated opposite the main Gurdwara Ber Sahib, and has been brewing between two Nihang groups for the past three days.
The situation took a deadly turn in the early hours of Thursday when the police attempted to reclaim control of the Gurdwara from the Nihang group led by Mann Singh. In response, members of Mann Singh’s faction opened fire indiscriminately, resulting in the death of Constable Jaspal Singh and injuries to five other officers, who are currently receiving medical treatment.
Tensions are running high in the area just days before the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev on November 27.
The Nihangs are heavily armed and have barricaded themselves inside the Gurdwara. The police, in response, have cordoned off the area and are engaging in talks with the Nihang group to peacefully resolve the situation.
The Gurdwara’s control has been a source of contention, with conflicting claims from two Nihang factions. The gurdwara was initially under the possession of Baba Budha Dal Balbir Singh, based in Patiala. However, on November 21, Mann Singh’s group forcibly took control by assaulting two Gurdwara employees.
The police have taken action, registering an FIR on November 21 under charges of attempted murder and other sections of the IPC. On Wednesday, 10 members of the Mann Singh group were arrested in connection with the incident.
This is not the first time clashes have erupted between these Nihang groups. In 2020, a similar confrontation resulted in the death of a Nihang member.
