punjab

Updated: Mar 13, 2016 09:56 IST

Three men were arrested after they set on fire two ‘birs’ of the Guru Granth Sahib and 10 ‘gutkas’ (religious texts) at a gurdwara at Ramdiwali Musalmana village, 35 km from here, on Saturday.

The police arrested the three with the help of villagers. They have been identified as Prem Singh, Shamsher Singh and Raju. The police claimed that the three were from the same village and went to the gurdwara to steal money, but to divert attention, they set the holy books on fire.

Giving details, SSP Amritsar (rural) Jasdeep Singh said, “We were quick to react and villagers also helped leading to their arrest. The three revealed that they had entered the gurdwara to steal money from the ‘golak’. We have recovered Rs 360 from them. The accused were looking for money, but set the holy books on fire to divert attention.” He said Prem Singh was earlier also accused of theft in a gurdwara.

As the word spread, people gathered at the gurdwara. Revenue minister Bikram Majithia, in whose constituency the village falls, visited the place and talked to villagers. The minister assured them that strict action would be taken against the accused. He also lauded them for their help in nabbing the accused.

The Mattewal police have registered a case and security has been deployed in the village. Other than the SSP, two SP-rank officers and three DSPs were camping there.

Channi, Bajwa slam sacrilege case

Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Charanjit Singh Channi has condemned fresh case of sacrilege in Ramdiwal village in Amritsar district.

In a statement, he said such incidents clearly indicated that anti-social elements had no fear of the law enforcement agencies.

Meanwhile, former Punjab Congress president Partap Singh Bajwa lambasted chief minister Parkash Singh Badal for having failed to check the incidents of sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib, saying it was a reflection of the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.

He expressed shock over the burning of two ‘birs’ of Guru Granth Sahib and 10 ‘gutkas’ in Ramdiwal Muslamana village in Amritsar district. Though the villagers have nabbed three accused, there is no let-up in such incidents.

Bajwa said failure of the state government to nab the accused in the very first case reported from Bargari, has bolstered mischievous elements.