ASI beaten up in Golden Temple complex

Amritsar, May 20 (UNI) A Punjab Police Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), mistaken for a Dera Sacha Sauda follower, was today allegedly beaten up by members of various Sikh organisations in front of the Akal Takht in the Golden Temple complex here.

According to official sources, ASI Lakhbir Singh, who was in civil clothes, was mistakenly taken for a member of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect. A group of youths gathered outside the Akal Takht, the venue of the meeting of the Sikh clergy, attacked the ASI with swords.

However, the timely intervention by the SGPC task force saved the situation from going out of hand and order was restored when the ASI disclosed his identity.

The ASI received a few blows but did not suffer any serious injuries. A press photographer also received a couple of blows when he tried to click photographs of the ASI.

Meanwhile, SSP Amritsar Rural, Iqbal Singh, who was present inside the shrine in civil clothes, clarified that the ASI was part of his security.

The meeting of the clergy with members of various Sikh religious and social organisations began at the Akal Takht at around 1600 hrs. The meeting has been called to decide the next course of action after Sacha Sauda head Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh expressed regret for having hurt the religious sentiments of the Sikhs.

Hardliners in the 'Panth' have already rejected the regret expressed by the Baba and they are demanding stern action against him. The meeting is being presided over by Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Joginder Singh Vidanti.

The Chief Minister's Adviser Dr Daljit Singh Cheema is also present in the shrine and is waiting the outcome of the meeting. A heavy police force has been deployed around the shrine, while police personnel in civil clothes are also present in the Golden Temple complex.

UNI