Chandigarh: A 19-year-old individual met a tragic fate after purportedly damaging pages of the Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred text of the Sikhs, at a gurdwara in Punjab’s Ferozepur on Saturday.
The incident unfolded at Gurdwara Baba Bir Singh in Bandala village, where the accused, Bakshish Singh, allegedly committed the act of sacrilege. Following this, an enraged crowd apprehended and assaulted him, as reported by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sukhwinder Singh.
Authorities have initiated legal proceedings against the individual in question regarding the alleged sacrilege.
The father of Bakshish Singh, Lakhwinder Singh, disclosed that his son was mentally challenged and had been receiving treatment for the past two years. He urged the police to pursue a case against those responsible for his son’s death.
According to local accounts, Bakshish had no prior history of visiting the gurdwara.
Upon committing the sacrilege, Bakshish attempted to flee but was intercepted by locals. Subsequently, a gathering of villagers ensued at the gurdwara, resulting in Bakshish being subjected to physical violence.
Footage from the scene depicted Bakshish surrounded by individuals while he sat injured with his hands restrained. Despite being transported to a private medical facility by the police, he succumbed to his injuries.
DSP Singh assured that the situation is now under control.
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh lamented the recurring incidents of sacrilege and deemed Bakshish’s demise as a consequence of the failure to prosecute offenders. The Jathedar further implored the Sikh community to refrain from conducting Bakshish’s final rites at any gurdwara and to impose a social and religious boycott on his family. He emphasized the community’s resort to self-administered justice in the face of inadequate legal enforcement.
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