An incident related to alleged desecration of sacred Angs (pages) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib came to light on Monday night in Basti Baba Khel area near Basti Pir Dad Road in Jalandhar located in Punjab and the incident quickly sparked anger among members of Sikh community leading to protests and road blockades in different parts of city.
According to information received torn pages of a Gutka Sahib were reportedly found in area after which local residents and Sikh organisations gathered at the spot and several members of Sikh community expressed deep hurt and anger over the matter and it is also being reported that a Nihang Singh present at the scene was seen becoming emotional while reacting to the incident.
As news spread members of different Sikh organisations and local residents began assembling in large numbers late at night and protesters accused administration of not acting quickly enough and started a sit-in protest around 10:30 PM on main bridge falling under Basti Baba Khel police area following which traffic movement was affected as demonstrators blocked the road and demanded immediate action against those responsible.
Later around midnight another protest started at Kapurthala Chowk where protesters stated that they would continue their demonstration until main accused persons were identified and arrested and the situation remained tense due to the sensitive nature of this case.
Following the protests senior police officials including ACP West Atish Bhatia reached the scene along with a heavy police force to control the situation and maintain law and order and during this police officials spoke to members of Sikh community and assured them that strict action would be taken after a proper investigation.
The Jalandhar Police Commissionerate has registered a formal case related to sacrilege against unidentified persons and the FIR has reportedly been filed under sections connected to hurting religious sentiments and disturbing public peace.
Speaking to media Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) City-2 Rakesh Kumar Yadav confirmed that police teams immediately reached the spot after receiving information about the incident and also stated that a case has been registered and an investigation is currently underway.
Police officials said that CCTV footage from nearby areas is being checked carefully to identify the culprits and teams are also questioning local residents and gathering other evidence connected to the case while additional police deployment has reportedly been made in sensitive areas as a precautionary step to avoid any disturbance or communal tension.
Officials have assured public that strict legal action will be taken against those found responsible however no arrests had been confirmed at the time of writing this report.
Further details are expected to emerge after police complete the initial phase of their inquiry.