Poanta Sahib (Gurpreet Singh): Three Nihang Sikhs accused in connection with the June 16 clash during the Hemkund Sahib Yatra visited Gurdwara Paonta Sahib to offer prayers after being released on bail, as members of the Sikh community welcomed the latest development in the case.
The accused—Satvinder Singh, Ajay Singh and Jaspreet Singh—reached the revered shrine in Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmaur district following their release. Their visit came after days of legal proceedings and sustained efforts by Sikh organisations seeking bail for those arrested.
The violence had erupted in Uttarakhand’s Karnaprayag region after a disagreement reportedly began over the parking of vehicles. What initially appeared to be a routine argument soon escalated into a physical altercation between local residents and a group of pilgrims travelling to Hemkund Sahib, prompting police intervention.
Following the incident, four Nihang Sikhs—Manpreet Singh, Jasanpreet Singh, Ajay Singh and Satvinder Singh—were arrested. The action triggered widespread concern among Sikh religious bodies, which maintained that the accused deserved a fair legal hearing and extended support throughout the judicial process.
Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) General Secretary and Legal Head Sardar Jagdip Singh Kahlon said the organisation remained actively engaged with the matter from the beginning. According to him, the committee held discussions with senior officials of the Uttarakhand government, including the Chief Minister and the Director General of Police, requesting that the matter be handled impartially and in accordance with the law.
Kahlon thanked the state administration for its cooperation, saying the release of the accused on bail reflected the outcome of legal efforts backed by the Sikh community. He noted that members of the Panth had united in appealing for justice while respecting the judicial process.
The Hemkund Sahib Yatra, which attracts thousands of devotees every year, witnessed an unexpected disruption because of the incident. While normal pilgrimage activities continued, the clash remained under scrutiny as police carried out their investigation.
Officials have indicated that the grant of bail does not conclude the case, and further legal proceedings will continue in the coming weeks. Investigators are examining witness statements and other evidence to determine the exact sequence of events and the role of those involved.
The case has drawn attention across several states, with community leaders urging people to maintain peace and avoid speculation while the matter remains before the courts. They have also appealed to pilgrims and local residents alike to uphold harmony during religious journeys.
With the accused now out on bail, the focus shifts to the ongoing judicial proceedings, which are expected to determine responsibility for the clash after a detailed examination of the evidence presented before the court.
