Protest Outside Police Station Over Alleged One-Sided Action
Jalandhar witnessed a protest outside Police Station Division No. 5 after a dispute outside Gurdwara Shri Guru Kalgidhar Sahib in Basti Sheikh over the dumping of garbage escalated into a physical altercation. The injured family, along with Sikh organisations and local residents, staged a dharna outside the police station, accusing the police of failing to conduct an impartial inquiry.
The protesters engaged in naam jap and simran during the demonstration and demanded that the allegations made by both sides be properly investigated. They have given the police administration a two-day deadline to address their concerns.
Elderly Woman Allegedly Injured During Clash
According to the family, the incident took place on September 18 when an elderly man returned from the gurdwara after performing his daily prayers. A dispute allegedly began over the dumping of garbage outside the premises and subsequently turned into a physical confrontation.
The family has alleged that some people associated with the gurdwara management attacked them during the altercation. They further claimed that an elderly woman was struck on the head with a rod or stick, leaving her with a deep cut that required four stitches.
The family has also alleged that an attempt was made to run a vehicle over them during the confrontation. They claim that photographs and CCTV footage related to the incident are available.
Lawyer Questions Police Action
Advocate Sahil, representing the injured family, has questioned the manner in which the police have handled the matter. He alleged that instead of conducting a comprehensive investigation, the police were merely carrying out a procedural exercise.
The lawyer further alleged that Baljit Singh, despite the matter involving a non-cognisable offence, was taken from his residence to the police station in the name of questioning. The family alleged that he was not even given an opportunity to put on his footwear before being taken away.
These claims have not been independently verified.
Family Points to Earlier Dispute
The family has also linked the latest confrontation to an older dispute concerning the rent of a shop. According to them, they have been paying rent for the premises for a long period, while differences with certain members associated with the gurdwara committee have existed for some time.
The family further claimed that they had faced an earlier attack and that the related matter is currently pending before a court.
Protesters Demand CCTV Footage, Legal Action
Sikh organisations and local residents participating in the protest have demanded a fair and impartial investigation. They have called for the CCTV footage to be examined and for appropriate legal sections to be applied against anyone found responsible after investigation.
The protesters said the police must hear the injured family and examine evidence from both sides before reaching any conclusion.
Two-Day Deadline Issued
The protesters have given the police administration two days to act on their demands. They warned that if their concerns are not addressed within the stipulated period, they may intensify the agitation.
For now, the protest remains focused on seeking what the participants describe as an impartial investigation into the September 18 dispute and the subsequent police action.
