Main Accused Apprehended in Barnala Sacrilege Incident
In a significant development, the Barnala Police have successfully arrested the primary suspect in the alleged sacrilege case that occurred at Thikriwal village in Barnala district. This arrest elevates the total number of individuals taken into custody to three, marking a crucial step in the investigation that has deeply affected the local community.
Details of the Arrest and Incident
The main accused has been identified as Kuldeep Singh, a resident of Thikriwal village. According to police reports, the incident took place on the evening of January 19, coinciding with the village's observance of the 91st martyrdom day of freedom fighter Sewa Singh Thikriwal. It is alleged that Kuldeep Singh orchestrated the strewing of torn pages from Gutka Sahib in the village, with the intent to defame the local gurdwara committee.
Initially, the police arrested two individuals in connection with the case: Jagbir Singh of Thikriwal, who is hearing- and speech-impaired, and his relative Randeep Singh from Sultanpur village in Sangrur. Their involvement was confirmed through CCTV footage, which captured them in the act. However, villagers expressed agitation, demanding that the mastermind behind the sacrilege be unmasked, and even held protests threatening larger demonstrations if the main accused was not identified.
Police Investigation and Motive
Barnala SSP Sarfaraz Alam stated that a complaint was filed on January 20, leading to the investigation. During the probe, Kuldeep Singh was nominated as a suspect and subsequently arrested on Friday. The investigation revealed that Kuldeep Singh had longstanding issues with the village gurdwara committee. A key incident involved his failure to receive a siropa (a ceremonial honor) after winning an election for the village cooperative society, as he did not accompany other winning members to the gurdwara. This, along with subsequent exchanges with the committee president, allegedly fueled his resentment.
Police reports indicate that Kuldeep Singh called his relative Randeep Singh to Thikriwal and enlisted both Randeep and Jagbir Singh to carry out the act of strewing the torn pages. Notably, Jagbir Singh is the nephew of Kuldeep Singh and has been under his care since the murder of Jagbir's father years ago, with his mother arrested for the killing. Kuldeep Singh had become conversant with sign language to communicate with Jagbir, highlighting a complex familial dynamic in this case.
Community Impact and Legal Proceedings
The sacrilege incident has stirred significant unrest in Thikriwal village, with residents deeply concerned about the defamation of their religious institutions. The arrest of the main accused is expected to alleviate some of the tension, but the case underscores broader issues of community harmony and justice. The police continue to investigate the matter thoroughly, ensuring that all aspects of the incident are addressed to prevent future occurrences.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding religious sentiments and the swift action required by law enforcement in such sensitive matters. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community awaits further developments, hoping for a resolution that restores peace and trust.
