Bhaini Sahib, 26 August 2014 – Two groups of Namdhari Sect, one owing allegiance to sect chief Satguru Uday Singh and the other to Thakur Dalip Singh, who has been staking claim as the successor — clashed in Bhaini Sahib.
Heavy security was deployed at Bhaini Sahib following this clash.
Dera spokesmen Lakhvir Singh and Kaka Kang said four Namdhari youths sustained injuries due to “hurling of stones by Thakur Dalip Singh’s supporters”. Refuting the allegations, Thakur Dalip Singh’s supporters alleged the house of one of their supporters was attacked by the group owing allegiance to Satguru Uday Singh, a charge denied by the dera spokesmen.
Sahnewal ACP Lakhvir Singh Tiwana said the group owing allegiance to Thakur Dalip Singh was going to Bhaini Sahib by a car. Trouble started when they reached near the dera. Some confrontation took place as the rival group apprehended that Thakur Dalip Singh’s supporters might barge into the dera. The window panes of the car were damaged in the confrontation.
Both groups have different stories to tell. They buttressed their allegations and counter-allegations with details that the police failed to verify.
Dera spokesmen said the four injured youths were initially admitted to a hospital at Koom Kalan and later referred to Apollo Hospital in Ludhiana city. “A fire had broken out at Suba Harbhajan Singh’s factory near Kohara and several sect members had gone there to assist in the rescue operations. It was during that time that the youths were attacked,” dera spokesmen said.
The group owing allegiance to Thakur Dalip Singh faction said about 50 persons of the group owing allegiance to Satguru Uday Singh attacked the house of Gurdeep Singh, a supporter of Thakur Dalip Singh. They claimed that one of their supporters was injured in the attack and admitted to a hospital.
ACP Tiwana said the situation was tense, but under control. He said policemen had been deployed and nakas set up around Bhaini Sahib to deal with any situation.