Jalandhar, Jan 21: Phillaur police have rounded up a local teenager in connection with the tearing of six “angs” (pages) of the Guru Granth Sahib at a village gurdwara in Goraya. The incident at Gurdwara Shri Guru Nanak Darbar came to light on Tuesday evening, sparking immediate concern and protests from Sikh groups who converged on the village of Mahal.
Initial reports suggest that the holy angs were found strewn across the floor inside the shrine and on the ground outside. Villagers stated that the premises appeared peaceful during the 5 pm visitations, but the situation changed by 6 pm when the desecration was discovered.
Police officials moved quickly to secure external CCTV footage after discovering that the gurdwara’s own cameras were not operating. This evidence led them to a 16-year-old student from the village, who is now being questioned regarding his motives and potential involvement in a larger local dispute.
Investigators have pointed out that the village has been witnessing a leadership struggle regarding the gurdwara’s management committee. They are examining if this friction played a role in the unfortunate event.
DSP Phillaur Bharat Masih directly said, “The youth is a resident of the same village and a Class X student. A detailed investigation is on to ascertain the cause of his actions. A dispute regarding heading the gurdwara management was also under way at the village. All these aspects are under investigation.”
The police have maintained a presence in the area to ensure peace as the probe continues into the underlying circumstances of the sacrilege.
