11 injured in Dera-Sikh clash in Sirsa village

SIRSA: Eleven people, including three policemen, were injured in a clash between the followers of the Dera Sacha Sauda and members of the Sikh community in a village near here on Tuesday, leading to tension in the area.

The clash took place when Sher Singh, an official of a Gurdwara at Mallewal, was mistaken as a spy by Dera followers who had gather at a house in the village.

One Jit Singh and 12 of his associates forcibly took Sher Singh inside the house and allegedly thrashed him. On getting information about the incident, a number of Sikhs arrived at the spot resulting in the clash between the two sides.

Jit Singh allegedly opened fire from his licensed gun and injured a few persons. Later, both the parties clashed using sharp weapons. In the ensuing clash a total of 11 people, including three policemen who had reached the spot to control the situation, were injured.

The police have arrested Jit Singh and seized his gun. He has been booked for attempt to murder, police said adding further investigations were on.

The area was in tense following the stand off between the Dera followers and members of the Sikh community after the recent alleged blasphemous act of the Dera Chief Sant Gurmit Ram Rahim Singh following his alleged appearance in dress similar to that of 10th Guru Gobind Singh.

Senior civil and police officers have reached the village to control the situation. Additional police personnel have also been deployed to maintain peace.