PATNA SAHIB, Bihar—While the Sikh Sangat living worldwide has been celebrating the Parkash Gurpurab of Guru Gobind Singh Ji with much fervour, a violent clash took place at Takht Sri Patna Sahib. The clash turned violent when opposed groups attacked each other over the appointment of Giani Partap Singh as deputy Jathedar of Takht Sahib. Giani Iqbal Singh, current appointed Jathedar, is among those injured during the attack.
Local administration had to intervene and ever since the attack, police forces have been deployed in large numbers outside the Takht Sahib premises to avoid any further clashes. The incident took place when Sikhs in large numbers had gathered at the holy shrine to celebrate the Parkash Purab of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
Giani Partap Singh who was visiting Takht Sri Patna Sahib irked supporters of Giani Iqbal Singh during a public speech. Giani Iqbal Singh’s supporters saw the speech by Giani Partap Singh as efforts to undermine the current Jathedar. It should be noted that there were plans of naming Giani Partap Singh as the deputy Jathedar since Giani Iqbal Singh has not been performing his duties lately. Giani Partap Singh is originally from Takht Sri Hazoor Sahib.
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbhandhak Committee (SGPC) has appointed a five-member team to probe the violent incident. As per statement by Avtar Makkar, SGPC President, the five members will visit the Bihar based Takht Sahib to submit a report to the Akal Takht Sahib for further action.
An FIR has been registered against one Kashmira Singh and six others for the violent incident that left 3 injured.
