Tension in Punjab village over anonymous letter to Sikhs

Moga, Aug 1 (UNI) The timely action of police averted serious clash between the radical Sikhs and followers of Dera Sacha Sauda in Dina Sahib village of the district, police today said.

According to SSP Devinder Singh Garcha, a number of Sikhs in the village had begun gathering in protest last night after one Paramjit Singh received an anonymous letter written allegedly by a Dera Sacha Sauda follower warning a group of Sikhs of ''dire consequences'' for their alleged attempts to ''pressurise Dera followers to re-enter the Sikh religion by forced baptisation''.

On getting the information, a posse of policemen immediately reached the village and pacified the agitated Sikhs by assuring them of strict action against those behind the letter. The police also took handwriting samples of about a dozen people in this regard.

In the meantime, there was again a furore in the village after a 22-year-old youth, Gurpreet Singh, consumed some poisonous substance and a rumour spread that he took the extreme step after being told that police suspspecting him of being involved in the letter controversy.

He was taken to Bhagta Bhaika hospital 8 km from Dina Sahib.

However, Mr Garcha clarified that police investigation revealed that Gurpreet had attempted suicide due to some dispute with his father and there was nothing against him regarding the threatening letter.

The situation was under control and the police patrol in Dina Sahib village and the adjoining areas had been intensified, the SSP said.

UNI