5 held for pelting stones at Gurdwara Manji Sahib; SGPC warns against spreading rumours

On October 5, five individuals were arrested in Ludhiana for allegedly throwing stones at Gurdwara Sri Manji Sahib. The altercation began when a member of the migrant community was denied langar by a sewadar. It was later revealed that the man was intoxicated and suspicious. After fleeing, his accomplices pelted three stones at the langar hall, leading to the police's swift intervention and the detention of the five accused.

The gurdwara manager, Hardeep Singh, denied allegations that the shrine staff had set fire to nearby shanties, clarifying that migrants had vacated the temporary shelters as requested. He also mentioned that some Nihangs may have set fire to the vacant shanties, which were located on private plots. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee issued a statement cautioning against the spread of rumours and AI-generated content related to the incident, emphasizing the gurdwara's normal operations and promising legal action against those disseminating false information.

The SGPC urged the public to remain vigilant about social media misinformation. Akal Takht jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj condemned the stone-throwing incident and called for stringent action against the perpetrators, urging the Punjab government and Ludhiana administration to address illegal encroachments near gurdwaras.