Shocking Attack: Man with Iron Rod Strikes Devotees at Amritsar’s Sacred Golden Temple, Leaving 5 Injured
A disturbing incident unfolded at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab, as a man wielding an iron rod attacked Sikh devotees, leaving at least five individuals injured. This attack, occurring on the significant occasion of the new Nanakshahi year, took place around noon on Friday, March 14, as devotees gathered at the revered site to pay their respects. Among those injured, one person sustained serious injuries and had to be admitted to the intensive care unit of Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences & Research in Vallah, while the remaining four are reported to be in stable condition.
The assailant has been identified as Zulfan, who carried out the attack amidst the crowd. According to local police reports, Zulfan did not act alone; he was accompanied by an accomplice who conducted reconnaissance of the Golden Temple prior to the attack. This second suspect’s involvement suggests a premeditated plan, heightening the severity of the incident. Kotwali Station House Officer, Sarmel Singh, noted the clash resulted in injuries on both sides, including sewadars (temple attendants) and other devotees. “Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has handed over a person named Zulfan to the police,” Singh confirmed. “There was a clash inside the Golden Temple premises, and people of both sides suffered injuries. The workers of SGPC have also been injured. Action will be taken according to law.”
The atmosphere during the attack was one of shock and chaos as pilgrims, present for a day meant for reflection and celebration, found themselves amid violence. Dr. Jasmeet Singh, who is attending to the victims, shared insights from the frontline. “As per the statements given to us by the patients, an unknown assailant assaulted the victims with a rod. Five patients were sent to us, out of which one is serious and is in the ICU. The other four are in stable condition.” His account underscores the unexpected nature of the attack and its impact on the community members who were merely observing a sacred tradition.
This incident has captured significant attention, prompting local authorities to investigate further to understand the motivation behind the attack and the extent of the planning involved. The presence of an accomplice suggests that this was not a random act of violence but perhaps part of a broader malicious intent. The police and local law enforcement are coordinating their efforts to ensure safety and prevent any recurrence of such incidents. Meanwhile, the involvement of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee indicates a collaborative effort to bring the perpetrators to justice and to uphold the sanctity of this spiritual site.
As more details emerge, this troubling event highlights the continued need for vigilance and effective security measures at places of religious significance, ensuring they remain spaces of peace and devotion. The Golden Temple, being one of the holiest sites in Sikhism, attracts thousands of visitors daily, demanding a secure environment for pilgrims and devotees from all over the world. This incident stands as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities even sacred places may face and reaffirms the necessity of concerted efforts to address such security concerns.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/armed-with-iron-rod-man-attacks-devotees-inside-golden-temple-of-amritsar-5-wounded-11741962483598.html
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Publish Date: 2025-03-14 20:31:00