Brothers shot dead in clash over gurdwara control at Jagraon
JAGRAON: Two brothers were shot dead by a rival faction in a clash over the control of Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi at Chakar village, 60km from Ludhiana, on Friday night.
The clash took place on the gurdwara premises during which heavy firing took place, leaving shrine’s managing committee president Heera Singh and his brother Balbir Singh, a head constable in the Punjab Police, dead. The victims were residents of Chakar village.
Balbir’s son Gurvinder Singh and one Veer Singh sustained injuries in the clash and they have been admitted to a government hospital in Jagraon.
A murder case has been registered against Harjit Singh, his father Sukhpal Singh, brother Charanjit Singh and six unidentified people.
The accused also took away victim’s Balbir Singh’s .12-bore rifle. The accused are absconding. Deputy superintendent of police (DSP) Rachhpal Singh Dhindsa said the villagers had unanimously elected Heera Singh as the president of gurdwara management committee three months ago.
The main accused, Harjit Singh, was reportedly associated with some Sikh radicals and wanted to dethrone Heera Singh. Harjit was made a member of the committee, but he was not happy.
On Friday night, when the shrine was being cleaned, Harjit turned up there and confronted Heera and a verbal spat ensued. Harjit allegedly took out his sword and attacked Heera and others, when they tried to intervene. Harjit left the spot only to return carrying a revolver. He was accompanied by his father Sukhpal Singh, brother Charanjit Singh and others. They allegedly started firing indiscriminately.
Balbir Singh also retaliated and fired at the rival faction from his .12-bore rifle.
Injured Gurvinder told police that all the accused were carrying weapons. The police have launched a manhunt for the accused.