SANGRUR, Punjab: Four masked men allegedly entered the historic Gurdwara Sahib at Badrukhan village near Sangrur shortly after midnight and attacked two sewadars, shooting one in the chest. The incident took place between around 1:00 a.m. and 1:36 a.m., according to police and reports based on the FIR and CCTV footage.
According to the police account, the attackers first overpowered Ajaib Singh, who was sleeping in the langar area, and allegedly tried to gag and tie him. When fellow sewadar Jaswant Singh came out after hearing his cries for help, one of the attackers allegedly opened fire, hitting him in the chest. Jaswant Singh was taken to hospital and police said his condition was stable.
The incident was captured on CCTV, which helped investigators trace the suspects. Police subsequently arrested three accused—Sarabjit Singh alias Sarba, Jagsir Singh alias Seera and Gurjit Singh alias Babbi. The fourth suspect, identified as Gagandeep Singh, remained absconding according to the latest police information. Police said they recovered two pistols, six live cartridges and the vehicle allegedly used in the crime.
Senior Sangrur police officials said the accused allegedly entered the gurdwara with the intention of committing a robbery, but the attempt failed after the sewadars raised an alarm. Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances and motive behind the attack.
The incident has raised serious concerns about the security of gurdwaras and other religious places in Punjab, particularly during nighttime hours. The Badrukhan gurdwara also has historical significance because the village is associated with Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
The attack has also prompted questions about how armed intruders were able to enter the gurdwara premises at night and whether stronger security arrangements are required at religious institutions across Punjab