Patna Sahib, Bihar (January 07, 2014): According to certain media reports at least four persons, including Jathedar of Takht Sri Harimandir Ji, Patna Sahib, Gyani Iqbal Singh; his son Gurprakash Singh; a member of ‘Panjy Payre’ Guru Dayal Singh and one Gurjeet Singh – were injured in a clash between two opponent factions following a dispute over appointment a Jathedar of Takht Patna Sahib.
The Hindustan Times (HT) has reported that 4 persons sustained injuries in this incident, where as Zee News and some other media networks have reported that 6 persons were injured in this clash. The violent clash took place at Diwan hall in Takht Sahib premises, which falls under Chowk police station of Patna on Tuesday.
The incident took place today (January 07, 2014) on the occasion of 347th Parkash Gurpurb of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji was born on January 7, 1666 at Patna Sahib in Bihar. People in large numbers from across the world had reached Patna Sahib to participate in Parkash Gurpurb Samagams.
As per information the violent clash took place at around 9 am soon after the announcement of the fresh nomination of additional Jathedar of Takht Sahib as Pratap Singh, head granthi of Nader Sahib. The two groups clashed soon after the announcement.
Patna SSP Manu Maharai said, on the basis of the statement of Giani Iqbal Singh and others, FIR has been lodged against Kashmira Singh ‘Bhuriwale’ from Punjab and six others in this connection. “The matter is being investigated,” he added. The injured have been admitted to hospital.
“Keeping in mind that the grand celebration of Guru Maharaj and thousands of devotees from different states and overseas had gathered at Patna Sahib, it was quite unfortunate. It would send a bad image of the city and the state as the whole program was being telecast live on electronic media in the whole world,” said Manindar singh, a devotee from Singapore.
Iqbal Singh, 55, said that he was shocked to know how the Prabandhak committee nominated additional ‘Granthi’ without taking my consent. “As I stood up, around 150 persons allegedly from Punjab, suddenly attacked us with swords and lathis and even pushed me from the stage along with my son,” said Giani Iqbal Singh
Takht general secretary, Charanjeet Singh said, “I had not removed jathedar Iqbal Singh and we want an additional ‘Jathedar’. Pratab Singh, of Nader Sahib, has a good experience and qualifications for the post. In fact, we need seven to 10 ‘Granthis’ for 350th celebration’,” he added.