On Monday (March 29), a sword-wielding mob of Sikhs assaulted police officers after they refused to let them carry out a religious procession in Gurudwara in Maharashtra’s Nanded.
At least four police officers were hurt in the brawl, including the Superintendent of police.
According to the police, a lawsuit has been filed in connection with the abuse and the enforcement of the state’s Covid protection laws. A total of almost 18 people have been arrested.
A huge number of people armed with swords is seen running out of a gate of the Gurdwara complex, smashing through police barricades, and targeting police officers on duty, according to a video widely circulating online. Four officers were wounded, and police vehicles were destroyed, according to a police officer.
The gurdwara had been told that the “Hola Mohalla” procession would not be permitted due to virus restrictions, according to Superintendent of Police Pramod Kumar Shewale.
“We had met with the gurdwara officials and priests and informed them of the situation. As a result, they determined that no procession will be held this year, instead opting for a low-key festival inside the complex “Mr. Shewale explained.
The low-key affair was set to start at 4 p.m. “However, some of the youngsters became annoyed. As Babaji explained the situation to them, they continued to Gate No. 1 and began walking down the procession’s usual path “he said
“However, about 4 p.m., when the Nishan Sahib was brought to the entrance, they began shouting, and over 300 youth breached the gate and began assaulting police officers,” he said.
A demonstration of Sikh martial skills is usually included in the “Hola Mohalla” procession.
Despite the state’s ban on demonstrations, locals decided to continue with the procession. Barricades had been erected near the gurdwara by the police. When the Nishan Sahib, or Sikh religious flag, was carried to a Gurdwara entrance, participants in the event began arguing, according to reports. The gate was then stormed by a huge mob.
Over the last week, Maharashtra has seen the most serious outbreak of the virus, causing the state government to enforce a slew of restrictions to combat the outbreak.
