Two persons were injured as two Sikh groups clashed with swords at the Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib Gurudwara in Patna on Tuesday morning. The confrontation took place over the issue of election of a new Granthi — a ceremonial reader of the Guru Granth Sahib.
The Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee’s secretary Charanjeet Singh and Bhuriwale, seer of another Gurudwara Bal Leela had appointed Pratap Singh as the additional Granthi. However, Iqbal Singh, head of the Granthis, objected to the appointment, since Pratap Singh is from outside Bihar, Rajesh Kumar, sub divisional police officer, Patna city, told The Hindu .
Supporters of the Prabandhak Committee and Iqbal Singh clashed with each other at a time when Sikhs are celebrating ‘Prakash Parv’ – a commemoration of Guru Gobind Singh. Iqbal Singh’s son Prakash Singh was also hurt in the attack.
Based on Iqbal Singh’s complaint, the police registered an FIR, but made no arrest. The situation was brought under control immediately.