Five individuals, including a retired IAS officer, have been implicated in the tragic killing of the dera kar seva chief at the Nanakmatta Sahib Gurdwara in Uttarakhand’s Udham Singh Nagar district. The incident unfolded when Baba Tarsem Singh was fatally shot on the premises of the revered shrine by two assailants riding a motorcycle.
The suspects named in the FIR include Sarabjit Singh and Amarjeet Singh, identified as the alleged perpetrators, along with IAS officer Harbans Singh Chugh, who serves as the head of the Nanakmatta Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee, Baba Anup Singh, and Pritam Singh Sandhu, the vice-president of a regional Sikh organization. The FIR, documenting the details of the heinous crime, was lodged on Friday, as confirmed by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Manjunath TC.
Sarabjit Singh, a resident of Tarn Taran in Punjab, and Amarjeet Singh from Rampur in Uttar Pradesh, face charges under sections 302 (murder), 120b (criminal conspiracy), and 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code. In addition to the primary suspects, three other individuals, including the retired IAS officer, have been included in the FIR based on suspicions raised by the complainant regarding their potential involvement in the tragic event.
The heart-wrenching incident occurred as the dera kar seva chief was seated in a chair, unsuspecting of the impending danger, when he was ruthlessly shot with a rifle by one of the assailants riding pillion. Despite being promptly rushed to a hospital in Khatima for urgent medical attention, Baba Tarsem Singh succumbed to his grievous injuries during the course of treatment.
The Nanakmatta Sahib Gurdwara, situated approximately 50 km from Rudrapur, holds profound religious significance as a revered Sikh shrine nestled along the Rudrapur-Tanakpur route in the picturesque landscape of the Udham Singh Nagar district of Uttarakhand.
The unfolding of events leading to the fatal shooting has sent shockwaves across the region, stirring a sense of disbelief and profound sadness among devotees and locals alike. The Nanakmatta Sahib Gurdwara, known for its tranquility and spiritual ambiance, has been marred by the tragic loss of its esteemed leader, Baba Tarsem Singh.
Baba Tarsem Singh, revered for his dedication and service to the gurdwara, was known for his unwavering commitment to the Sikh community and his relentless efforts in upholding the principles of compassion and service.
The news of his untimely demise has cast a pall of gloom over the entire community, with many expressing shock and disbelief at the brutal manner in which the revered leader was taken away from them. In the wake of the tragic incident, there has been an outpouring of grief and condolences from individuals and organizations across the country, as the nation mourns the loss of a respected religious leader and community figure.
The Nanakmatta Sahib Gurdwara, once a beacon of peace and spiritual solace, now stands as a solemn reminder of the fragility of life and the need for vigilance in safeguarding the sanctity of sacred spaces. As investigations into the heinous crime continue, there is a collective call for justice to be served and for those responsible for the senseless act of violence to be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
In the midst of sorrow and mourning, there is also a reaffirmation of faith and resilience within the community, as they come together to honor the memory of Baba Tarsem Singh and uphold the values he stood for.
The tragic loss of the dera kar seva chief serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges and threats faced by religious institutions and leaders, underscoring the need for greater security measures and vigilance to ensure the safety and well-being of all devotees and spiritual leaders.