1 dead, another injured in Rakhar Punia Mela at Baba Bakala

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, August 20

A Nihang died under mysterious circumstances while another was injured in a brawl with other Nihangs in two separate incidents during Rakhar Punia Mela at Baba Bakala today.

In the first incident, people heard sounds of gunshots at around 4 pm, when the caravan of Tarna Dal reached near the office of DSP, Baba Bakala.

A Nihang Singh, participating in the procession and riding a horse, received two bullets. It is not confirmed if it was an accidental fire from own gun or from anyone else’s.

The deceased Nihang has been identified as Dheera Singh alias Killi, a resident of Dadhiyal village in Tarn Taran. He was rushed to Civil Hospital, Baba Bakala, where doctors declared him dead.

SP Amritsar (Rural) Harinder Singh Gill stated that a large number of Nihang Singhs were organising “Mahalla” (procession). One of the Nihangs riding a horse received bullets. The CCTV cameras installed in the market will be checked to ascertain from where the shots were fired. Action will be taken accordingly.

In another incident, a Nihang’s hand was chopped with sword by another Nihang during a fight between two separate groups of Wadala Kala road. It has been learned that the clash took place due to some internal conflict between the Nihangs of Tarna Dal, Baba Bakala and Ranghreta Dal. The injured has been identified as Sukhwinder Singh, a resident of Cheema Khuddi. On receiving information about the incident, SSP Amritsar (Rural) Charanjit Singh reached Baba Bakala Sahib. A case has been registered and investigations started.

Mystery shrouds victim’s death

A Nihang Singh, participating in the procession and riding a horse, received two bullets. It is not confirmed if it was an accidental fire from own gun or from anyone else’s. The deceased Nihang has been identified as Dheera Singh alias Killi, a resident of Dadhiyal village in Tarn Taran. He was rushed to Civil Hospital, Baba Bakala, where doctors declared him dead.