MAKHU, Firozpur, Punjab—Followers of Sirsa based controversial cult named ‘Dera Sacha Sauda’ organized a function on Sunday which led to deadly clashes between Sikhs and cultists. The clashes left several Sikhs injured seriously.
Local Sikh organizations led by Giani Bhupinder Singh, Mukh sewadar of Gurdwara Sri Akal Darbar Sahib, had submitted notice to the police administration to impose a ban on the programme to be held at Mehmoodwala village. But police failed to take action in this regard. Sikhs stopped the function on their own at the cost of severe injuries.
As per reports, dozens of Sikhs were injured in the clash, including a police official.
5 identified, and more than 150 unidentified, persons have been booked under 307, .23, 324, 427, 295-A, 148, 149 IPC 25/27, 54/59, Arms Act at Makhu Police station. Those identified are Dilbagh Singh, Bittu Singh, Gurlal Singh, Lakhvir Singh, and Amrik Singh. The situation is reported to be under control.
To avoid any further violence after stones began to be thrown and naked swords came out, heavy police was deployed to control the situation. Senior police officials including DIG Ferozepur Range Munish Chawla and SSP Sukhwant Singh Gill, along with heavy police force reached the spot to pacify the crowd.
The situation is still reported to be tense at Jogewala village and heavy police force has been deployed to keep a hawk’s eye on the situation as both the groups are blaming each other for hurting their sentiments. While the Sikh organizations are demanding the cancellation of FIRs and demanding action against the cultists.
The Sacha Sauda Cult and its leader have many chargers of rapes, murders, and mob violence against them. They have been responsible for the deaths of a number of Sikh activists.
