In the past 5-6 years, there has been a disturbing trend acknowledging incidents of violence involving Nihang Sikhs as attackers over the other community. Nihangs attacks on other community raising tension in Punjab. On July 5th, 58-year-old Sandeep Thapar, known as Gora and the chief of the Shiv Sena in Punjab, was viciously attacked with swords by four assailants in Nihang attire outside Ludhiana Civil Hospital in a day broadlight. This incident caught social media eye recalls a series of gruesome acts by Nihangs, comprising the brutal killing of a youth at a Phagwara gurdwara and multiple confrontations with police in Kapurthala and Amritsar.
On Tuesday, a group of Nihang Sikhs allegedly attacked a Sammi Puri and his relatives with sword over a financial disagreements, resulting in his death in broad daylight in Patti town, located in Tarn Taran district. The deceased has been identified by the police as Sammi Puri. Two other men, Karan Puri and Rajan Puri, were also injured during the assault which occurred in Ward No. 6 of Patti.
Traumatised Family members present at the scene claimed that around noon, several Nihang Sikhs engaged in a heated argument with Sammi Puri over a financial issue, which escalated into violence. The attackers injured all three men. The injured were taken to Patti Hospital, where Sammi Puri succumbed to his injuries, while the others are receiving medical treatment. The family members alleged that seven men participated in the attack and demanded the police take stringent action against them.
Jaspal Singh, an officer from Patti City Police Station who is Inspecting officer to the incident, stated that the attackers had a financial dispute with Sammi Puri involving Rs 1.75 lakh. Ashwini Kapoor, SSP of Tarn Taran, also visited the scene but departed when relatives of the victims and other residents began protesting against the administration and the government.
Recent Incidents Involving Nihang Sikhs
Attack on Shiv Sena Leader Sandeep Thapar
On July 5th, 58-year-old Sandeep Thapar, also known as Gora and the chief of the Shiv Sena in Punjab, was attacked with swords by four unidentified individuals dressed as Nihang Sikhs outside the Ludhiana Civil Hospital. The entire incident was recorded on camera was so horrisome that it shook the social media. Notably, his security detail had been reduced a week earlier to the attack.
Police revealed that the attackers, who were waiting outside, assaulted him with swords and beat him on the head before fleeing the scene. His lone gunman did not try to pursue the assailants or defend him. Witnesses brought the severely injured Thapar to the civil hospital, where he was subsequently referred to the nearby Dayanand Medical College and Hospital. Shiv Sena Punjab’s youth wing chief Sumit Arora stated that Thapar had at least three gunmen providing security, but the police removed that protection a week prior. The police have started an inquiry and are searching for the culprits.
Youth Killed by Nihangs in Phagwara Gurdwara
On January 16th, a Nihang Sikh allegedly killed a youth at a gurdwara in Phagwara, on suspicion of sacrilege. The accused, identified as Ramandeep Singh Mangu Math, posted footage of the youth before murdering him and claimed responsibility for the act. After committing the crime, the accused locked himself inside the Chaura Khooh Gurdwara. Senior police officers rushed to the scene, recovered the victim’s body, and the accused is yet to be arrested.
Nihangs Attacked Police in Kapurthala
On November 22nd, Nihang Sikhs opened fire at police officers in Sultanpur Lodhi, Kapurthala district, Punjab. One policeman was reportedly killed, while two were injured. The incident occurred when police attempted to arrest some Nihang Sikhs hiding inside a Gurdwara. The police personnel were on the road when Nihangs started firing at them. An additional police force was deployed to maintain law and order in the area. The scuffle was due to who hold ownership of Sri Akal Bunga Sahib Gurdwara.
Dalbir Singh Killed by Nihang in Amritsar
On August 11th, 2023, a 50-year-old Nihang Sikh named Dalbir Singh alias Bau was arrested for killing his teenage daughter and dragging her dead body by tying it to his motorbike in Mucchal village, Amritsar district, Punjab. Dalbir Singh slashed his daughter with a sword for returning late from an acquaintance’s house. The police arrested him and charged him with murder.
Man Killed by Nihangs for Allegedly Smoking Near Golden Temple
On the night of September 7th and 8th, 2022, a man was hacked to death by four men, including two Nihang Sikhs, outside a hotel close to the Golden Temple after an argument over smoking. The CCTV footage showed the victim, Harmanjit Singh, arguing with the Nihangs, which escalated into a violent assault with a sharp-edged weapon, leading to his death on the spot.
Scuffle Between Nihang Sikhs and Radha Soami Satsang Beas Followers
On September 4th, 2022, a clash broke out between Nihang Sikhs and followers of the Radha Soami Satsang Beas when Nihang Sikhs tried to enter the Dera premises to graze their cattle. Both sides jumped in scuffle while pelting stones, brandish swords, and even fired shots, leading to at least 12 injuries, that injured police personnel. This time also an additional police force was deployed, and senior officials took charge of the situation.
Youth Killed by Nihangs for Allegedly Smoking in Delhi
On June 17th, 2022, a youth was killed in Nation Capital Delhi for allegedly smoking on the road. Two Nihang Sikhs allegedly stabbed a food delivery Boy, Sagar Singh, in the chest with a kirpan and brutally attacked his head with bricks. Sagar Singh, a Zomato employee, was rushed to the hospital by another delivery boy, where he was declared dead.
Men Dressed as Nihang Sikhs Destroyed Idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses in Amritsar
On March 7th, 2022, individuals dressed as Nihang Sikhs damaged a Shiva idol at a Jagran near Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar. The incident, as recorded on CCTV, seen five men using a weapon to damage the idol. After the public outrage, police filed FIR.
This is height of intolerance when a Poultry Farmer attacked for not giving Chicken
On October 21st, 2021, a poultry farm employee was allegedly brutally beaten at the Singhu border for not adhering to the illogical demands of a Nihang Sikh involved in the farmers’ protest. The Nihang Sikh Naveen Sandhu, allegedly broke the worker’s leg in a fit of anger.
Dalit Man Lakhbir Singh Killed by Nihang Sikhs During Farmer Protests
On October 15th, 2021, Lakhbir Singh was found brutally murdered with his right hand chopped off and hung on a barricade at the Kundli border farmers’ protest site. The accused, arrested by the police, showed no remorse.
These incidents is showing a disturbing trend of violence associated with Nihang Sikhs, raising concerns about Law and order state within Punjab.