A shocking incident of violence unfolded at a revered place of worship in Maharashtra on Monday morning. Dheerajsingh Khalsa, the 61-year-old head priest of the Gurunanak Sahebji gurdwara in Dhule city, was brutally attacked with a sword by a man he had recently helped with employment.
The Violent Assault in the Gurdwara Porch
The attack occurred at approximately 9:30 am in the porch area of the gurdwara. The assailant, identified as Umesh Malode, a 24-year-old resident of Nashik city, allegedly struck Khalsa with a sword, inflicting serious wounds. The priest sustained critical injuries to his head, jaw, and back during the assault.
Upon hearing the commotion, assistant manager Ranvirsingh Khalsa rushed to the scene and attempted to intervene. However, Malode turned the weapon on him as well, injuring him. Another individual who tried to help was also attacked with the sword. Their shouts for help alerted other devotees and staff present in the gurdwara, who collectively managed to overpower and subdue Malode.
Background of the Attacker and Police Action
Providing details on the suspect's background, Inspector Deepak Patil of Dhule city police revealed a tragic backstory. Umesh Malode had started visiting the gurdwara daily for food in October 2023. Moved by his circumstances, Dheerajsingh Khalsa personally inquired about Malode's situation and learned he had no stable arrangements for food or shelter.
In an act of compassion, Khalsa offered Malode a job as a 'sevak' (servitor) at the gurdwara with a monthly salary of Rs 7,000. According to the police and the complaint filed by Ranvirsingh Khalsa, Malode had been performing his duties regularly but was a man of few words, keeping mostly to himself.
The motive behind the sudden and violent turn on Tuesday remains unclear. Inspector Patil confirmed that a case has been registered under Section 109 (attempt to murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and relevant sections of the Indian Arms Act. However, as both the victim and the accused are currently hospitalised, Malode has not been formally arrested or interrogated yet.
Condition of the Injured and Ongoing Investigation
Dheerajsingh Khalsa underwent surgery at a private hospital in Dhule where he is admitted. Doctors attending to him have reported that his condition is now stable. In a twist of fate, the attacker, Umesh Malode, also sustained injuries to his hand during the struggle when he was caught and beaten by the gurdwara congregation. He is currently receiving treatment in the same private hospital under police watch.
The Dhule city police are awaiting medical clearance to formally arrest and question Malode to ascertain the precise reasons behind this grievous attack on his benefactor. The community has been left in a state of shock and disbelief by the incident at the otherwise peaceful gurdwara.
