Prosecutor: Witnesses to Sikh temple brawl are not cooperating

The investigation into a large fight at a Sikh temple in Greenwood earlier this month has stalled because witnesses are not cooperating, Johnson County Prosecutor Brad Cooper said.

"We have video of up to 40 people involved in this fight," Cooper said. "If we could get them identified, we would charge them with disorderly conduct."

Attempts by IndyStar to reach representatives of the temple were unsuccessful Thursday.

Police from several agencies were called to a massive fight at the Gurdwara Sikh Temple, 1050 South Graham Road, shortly before 3 p.m.on April 14.

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Surveillance video from inside the temple, released by Cooper's office, showed a peaceful worship service degenerating into pushing, shoving and punches.

More than 100 people are crowded together when a few begin fighting, the video shows. The video shows one man smashing a tea pot over another person's head.

Sikhs wear turbans as a symbol of their faith. The turbans, Cooper said, obscured the faces of many those who traded blows.

Cooper said he understands that some witnesses may be reluctant to talk to investigators because they fear they may also be charged with a crime.

But others, he said, have questioned the authority of the police.

"We're also dealing with a cultural difference, and there are some views expressed that the temple grounds are almost like an embassy and we have no jurisdiction," Cooper said.

The fight, police said, stemmed from a disagreement over leadership elections. Nine people suffered minor injuries. A few needed stitches.

The law allows authorities to convene a grand jury, issue subpoenas and compel witnesses to testify, but Cooper said the expense to taxpayers is not justified for a low-level crime.

Disorderly conduct is a misdemeanor that carries a maximum penalty of six months in jail. In practice, however, judges usually forgo the jail sentence and instead issue a fine. The maximum is $1,000.

Greenwood Detective Doug Wood said he hopes police involvement will end the dispute before it escalates.

The case remains an open investigation and evidence will continue to be forwarded to the prosecutor's office.

"Overall, the Sikhs are a very peaceful people," Wood said. "It's just a small faction that has caused this disruption."

Wood said witnesses have provided inaccurate and conflicting information. He hopes that may change as the investigation continues to unfold.

"There are so many people involved," Wood said. "It's just that small faction that is creating a lot of problems within the temple with a lot of good people who are trying to worship and be a part of the community."

Call IndyStar reporter Vic Ryckaert at (317) 444-2701. Follow him on Twitter: @VicRyc.