Pune Sikhs Allege Abuse, Brawl in New Zealand Gurdwara

A case of a police officer being attacked with a koyta (machete) in Pune’s Hadapsar has escalated as the local Sikh community accuses the police of disrespecting religious sentiments. The incident occurred on 25 Aug, when Assistant Police Inspector Ratnakar Gaikwad attempted to break up a fight and was attacked. The police arrested five individuals following the attack. However, the Sikh community has alleged that the police removed turbans of the Sikh accused. Raj Singh, founder of Sikh Helpline, condemned the police’s actions, stating ‘The removal of their turbans, leaving their hair exposed, is a reprehensible and unacceptable practice reminiscent of the dark British era, aimed at defaming the Sikh community and its sacred pagri (turban).’ He demanded the immediate suspension of the officers involved, an unconditional apology from the Pune Police Department, and training for police personnel on Sikh religious practices. In response, Senior Police Inspector Sanjay Patange of Wanawadi Police Station refuted the claims, stating that the accused were not wearing turbans but caps. He also noted that those arrested are well known to police, with around 50 cases registered against them across Maharashtra. Meanwhile in New Zealand, on 24 Aug a brawl erupted inside a Gurdwara in Tauranga. The Tauranga Sikh Society stated that while their members were holding a meeting, a rival group arrived with 40 to 50 people, some armed, leading to a violent altercation. The clash was over control of the Gurdwara, and two people were arrested. Daljit Singh, president of the NZ Central Sikh Association, representing the rival group expressed regret over the violence.