Taksal activists back suspects

Charanjit Singh Teja

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, May 21

Damdami Taksal activists today extended support to the suspects arrested in connection with the murderous attack on Sikh preacher Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale. The May 17 attack in Ludhiana had claimed the life of another preacher, Bhupinder Singh Khasi Kalan.

Sant Charanjit Singh, a member of the Sant Samaj — a conglomerate of Sikh bodies led by Damdami Taksal chief Harnam Singh Dhumma – accused Dhadrianwale of using derogatory language against the Taksal head. Justifying the attack, he said it was possible that some persons associated with the Taksal had taken this retaliatory step. His supporters alleged that the police were torturing the suspects in custody.

Charanjit Singh and about 25 of his supporters raised slogans at the court complex when the police arrived with the four suspects today. A police team led by Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP Crime) Balkar Singh produced the suspects in the court, which remanded them in police custody till May 24.

Coming out of the court, one of the suspects, Sukhwinder Singh alias Sonu, said, “The attack was orchestrated by Dhadrianwale. But we will hit back if he does not stop disrespecting the Taksal.”

Charanjit Singh said, “It’s the Damdami Taksal tradition to punish those who show disrespect to the Dasam Granth, Panj Banis and Taksal ‘maryada’ as well as its past and present heads.”

The ADCP said, “We are investigating the matter without any political pressure. No innocent person has been arrested. Those in custody have admitted to their role in the attack. However, there is no evidence so far to prove Dhumma’s involvement in the case.”

Sources said the police probe had established that the attackers were associated with the Taksal, but the attack was an emotional reaction by some disciples rather than a conspiracy at the organisational level.

My followers not involved: Dhumma

Amritsar: Damdami Taksal head Harnam Singh Dhumma on Saturday refuted allegations that his followers were involved in the attack on Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale. Talking to The Tribune on the phone, he said no member of the Taksal was among the assailants. Earlier in the day, Dhumma called off his scheduled press conference at the Sikh seminary, headquartered at Mehta village, at the eleventh hour. He stated that the Taksal was engaged in providing legal aid to the arrested Takht members. — TNS

Sampla meets Sikh preacher

Patiala: Union Minister and state BJP president Vijay Sampla on Saturday met Sikh preacher Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale at Gurdwara Parmeshar Dwar in Sekhupura village of the district. Sampla had a closed-door meeting with Dhadrianwale for about one hour. Later, Sampla said nobody was above the law, adding that those responsible for the attack on the preacher would be put behind bars. Meanwhile, lashing out at the state government for its ‘inability’ to control crime in the state, Aam Aadmi Party leader Sukhpal Khaira said the police had only arrested hired assailants while the masterminds of the attack were still at large. — TNS