Patiala Police File Criminal Case Against Sikh Preacher Baljit Singh Daduwal
In a significant development, Patiala police have registered a criminal case against prominent Sikh preacher and former Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) president Baljit Singh Daduwal. The case follows a formal complaint lodged by current HSGMC chief Jagdish Singh Jhinda, stemming from a recent clash that occurred after a religious ceremony in Shergarh village.
Police Confirm Case Registration Under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
Confirming the legal action, Patiala SP (D) Gurbans Singh stated that a case has been formally registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The police official emphasized that thorough investigations are currently underway to ascertain the complete facts surrounding the incident.
Jhinda's Detailed Allegations Against Daduwal
In his detailed complaint, Jagdish Singh Jhinda alleged that the confrontation occurred near Arno village on the Kaithal road following the Bhog ceremony. Jhinda claimed that Daduwal, accompanied by seven associates, pursued his vehicle for approximately 10–12 kilometers in what he described as a deliberate attempt to assault him.
The complainant further asserted that the accused attempted to open fire during the confrontation, but were unsuccessful because the car door would not open properly. Jhinda stated that he and his supporters managed to escape the situation unharmed despite the alleged attack.
Jhinda also revealed that he staged a protest outside a local police station on Wednesday, demanding the registration of a formal case against Daduwal. He claimed this protest directly led to the filing of the First Information Report (FIR). However, police authorities have officially denied that any such protest actually took place.
Daduwal's Counter-Allegations and Political Motivation Claim
Reacting strongly to the FIR, Baljit Singh Daduwal dismissed the allegations as politically motivated. "I have been informed about the case. It has been registered under political pressure," Daduwal stated. He announced plans to meet at Shergarh Gurdwara Sahib on Thursday to decide on further legal and community action.
Daduwal presented a completely different narrative, countering that it was actually Jhinda who disrupted the religious ceremony and hurt religious sentiments. The Sikh preacher claimed that members of the local Sikh Sangat had already submitted a formal complaint against Jhinda prior to this incident.
Root Cause: Tuesday's Bhog Ceremony in Shergarh
The entire dispute originates from Tuesday's Bhog ceremony held in Shergarh village, where both religious leaders were present. Police authorities have confirmed that they are currently recording statements from all involved parties and witnesses as part of their ongoing investigation.
The investigation remains active with police officials stating they are meticulously examining all aspects of the case. The religious and political implications of this confrontation between two prominent Sikh figures are being closely monitored by community members and authorities alike.
