HSGMC member held in connection with 2009 clash

KOT SHAMIR (BATHINDA): Punjab police on Friday arrested religious preacher and Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) member Baljit Singh Daduwal in connection with a clash with Sirsa-based Dera Sacha Sauda supporters in 2009.
Daduwal’s followers alleged conspiracy saying he was arrested over his association with HSGMC, which the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal is opposed to, taking control of Guhla Cheeka Gurdwara recently and to please Dera head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.
Police had sent summons to Daduwal on August 8 asking him to join investigations in a case registered against him on March 16, 2009, at Jaito police station pertaining to a clash with the Dera followers. Bathinda SSP Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said police had an arrest warrant against Daduwal.
Following recovery of weapons at Gurdwara Jandfalisar Sahib in Kot Shamir, a fresh case under the Arms Act was registered against Daduwal on Friday. He was remanded in one-day police custody.
Jaito police station SHO Gurdeep Singh said, “Police have recovered two pistols, six guns and 297 cartridges and have to verify the sources of these weapons.”