A District and Sessions Court in Chamoli on Saturday granted bail to four Nihang Sikhs arrested in connection with a violent clash in Karnaprayag on June 16. District and Sessions Judge Bindhyachal Singh accepted the bail applications of Satvinder Singh, Ajay Singh, Jasanpreet Singh, and Manpreet Singh, ordering their release on a personal bond of Rs 50,000 each, along with two sureties of the same amount.
Background of the Clash
On June 16, a minor dispute between local residents and Nihang Sikhs in Karnaprayag escalated into an alleged sword attack, leaving several people injured. A Nihang Sikh was also injured. Police registered a case under FIR number 0017/2026 at Karnaprayag police station, charging the four under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act.
Arguments in Court
During the hearing, defense counsel argued that the accused were on a religious pilgrimage when local residents assaulted them, seriously injuring Manpreet Singh. The prosecution opposed bail, citing the seriousness of the allegations and risk of evidence tampering. The prosecution noted that the argument escalated after a road accident and that police modified charges during the investigation.
Court's Observations
The court observed that the incident appeared triggered by a sudden road dispute rather than prior enmity. It noted that the invoked sections carry a maximum punishment of seven years' imprisonment. Without making final observations on the merits, the court found sufficient grounds for bail and directed the release of the four men after submitting sureties. An immediate copy of the order was sent to Chamoli District Jail.
Previous Standoff and Aftermath
The arrests led to a standoff at Nagrasu gurdwara in Rudraprayag district, which ended on June 23 after a Sikh delegation intervened. On the night of June 25, a group of Nihang Sikhs forcibly entered Uttarakhand through the Kulhal border in Dehradun district, demanding the release of the arrested men. Officials persuaded them to return to Paonta Sahib. Officials clarified that release depends entirely on court orders, and all legal formalities will be completed after bail is granted, after which the accused will be allowed to leave Uttarakhand.
