Masked man fires two shots at Gagra village shrine; police examine CCTV footage
A firing incident at Gurdwara Sri Gopalsar Sahib in Gagra village near Jagraon has prompted a police investigation after a masked man allegedly fired two shots at the shrine and left behind a threatening letter targeting its chief sevadar and another gurdwara committee member.
According to the information provided by the police, the incident took place on the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday. The letter reportedly expressed resentment over the gurdwara committee honouring certain political leaders with siropas, or robes of honour.
Ludhiana (Rural) Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ankur Gupta visited the shrine on Tuesday and confirmed that an FIR had been registered against an unidentified accused.
Two bullet shells recovered from the spot
Describing the incident, SSP Ankur Gupta said the masked suspect approached the gurdwara on foot, with his face covered and sunglasses concealing his identity. He allegedly placed an envelope near the main gate, fired two shots and fled from the scene.
Police recovered two spent bullet shells from the spot and are examining CCTV footage to identify the suspect and establish the sequence of events.
Investigators are also attempting to trace a motorcycle allegedly linked to the incident. According to the SSP, another man was reportedly waiting with a motorcycle some distance away from the shrine when the firing took place.
Letter threatens chief sevadar and committee member
The letter reportedly contained death threats against Baba Amarjit Singh, the gurdwara's chief sevadar, and committee member Gurinder Singh Rumi.
According to the police account, the writer objected to certain political leaders being honoured at the shrine with siropas. The letter also reportedly warned Rumi that his days were numbered and referred to an earlier firing incident at his residence during the zilla parishad elections.
The alleged connection between the earlier incident and the latest firing is part of the information being examined by investigators. The identity and motive of the person who fired the shots have not yet been established.
Police examine CCTV footage to identify suspects
Police are analysing available CCTV footage and other evidence to identify the alleged shooter and trace the motorcycle reportedly used in the incident. The investigation is ongoing, and the accused had not been identified in the information provided by police at the time of the SSP's visit.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of the shrine's management, particularly in view of the threats allegedly made against its office-bearers. Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.
