PIONEER NEWS SERVICE/Jyotirmath
Seven accused were arrested after a violent altercation between Nihang Sikhs and locals in Jyotirmath on Monday. According to reports, there was initially an argument between the Nihangs and a local businessman on the subject of moving a two-wheeler. The argument escalated and the Nihangs allegedly attempted to attack the trader with swords though the local managed to escape unhurt.
The police reached the site on receiving information about the incident though the visitors had left towards the police station by that time. The police stopped the visitors and called them into the police station. A large number of local traders had also reached the police station by this time. The situation escalated once again at the police station when it was found that the Nihang pilgrims who carry Kirpans according to their religious beliefs were also carrying other sharp edged weapons including axes, double-edged swords and knives. This resulted in a heated argument between the visitors and the locals.
The police tried to intervene and prevent violence when a person identified as Amritpal allegedly assaulted a police officer on the head with a knife, causing two deep wounds. Two separate cases were lodged following the incident. On the complaint lodged by the locals, a case was registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) while another case was lodged on a complaint lodged was the police officer under various sections of BNS.
The persons arrested by the police were identified as Harpreet Singh, Amritpal Singh, Harpreet Sikand, Bindar Singh, Garja Singh, Harjot Singh and Bhola Singh. All are residents of Fatehgarh in Punjab.
