Muktsar Sahib (National Times): Tensions flared in Muktsar Sahib on Monday after a young Sikh man, Gurvinder Singh, was violently attacked by members of the Shiv Sena, including local leader Rajesh Garg, in full public view and in the presence of police, sparking massive outrage and demands for immediate action.
The assault, described by witnesses as premeditated and communal in nature, has drawn sharp condemnation from Sikh organizations and rights groups. Videos circulating online show Gurvinder being beaten by a mob, even as police officials stood by without intervening.
According to local leaders, the attack is being seen as a deliberate attempt to incite communal unrest in the region. “This was not just an act of violence, it was an act of provocation,” said a spokesperson for one of the Sikh organizations that arrived at the scene shortly after the attack.
The Sikh community responded swiftly, gathering in large numbers and confronting the police with a clear ultimatum. In a joint statement issued late Monday evening, the organizations demanded:
- The immediate arrest of Rajesh Garg and all accomplices involved in the attack
- Registration of an FIR under Section 295 IPC (for hurting religious sentiments) and Section 26 of the Arms Act
- Suspension of the police gunman assigned to Rajesh Garg, who allegedly failed to act
The organizations have given the administration a deadline of 10:00 a.m. tomorrow, warning that failure to comply will result in statewide protests and possible gherao of police establishments.
“There will be no compromise,” said a local Sikh leader. “Gurvinder Singh was targeted because of his identity. This is not acceptable in Punjab or anywhere else.”
No official response has yet come from the Shiv Sena leadership, and attempts to reach Rajesh Garg for comment have been unsuccessful.
The Muktsar Sahib district administration and Punjab Police are under increasing pressure to act swiftly and fairly to avoid escalation. Meanwhile, civil society groups have joined the chorus demanding accountability and warning against the growing trend of mob-led intimidation backed by political muscle.
The incident has reignited conversations around law enforcement apathy, political protectionism, and the need for stronger safeguards for minority communities, particularly in sensitive border regions like Muktsar Sahib.
