On 30th July, a group of seven Nihang Sikhs killed a businessman identified as Shammi Puri in the city of Patti of district Tarn Taran, Punjab. Patti is located 28 KM away from the District headquarters in Tarn Taran. Shammi’s son and nephew also got injured in the attack. A case against the seven accused has been filed by Tarn Taran police. Video of the incident has gone viral on social media.
On 30th July, Nihang Parminder Singh, a resident of Waltoha, came with his six associates at around 12 PM to Shammi’s residence. At that time, his son Karan Puri and nephew Aman Puri were also present at the home. They got into a verbal argument that led to the attack.
During the argument, Nihangs drew their swords and attacked the trio. Shammi’s arm was chopped in one strike while Karan and Aman got injured. TV9 report stated Karan’s fingers were also chopped during the incident. Speaking to the media, family members said that seven men dressed in Nihang attire entered their home and started assaulting Shammi. They drew swords and attacked Shammi, his son and nephew. The attackers first got into an argument with Shammi. Karan tried to intervene after which they drew swords and attacked them. Shammi’s younger brother Rajan also got injured in the incident. The family members said the attacker was repeatedly demanding his money back from Shammi. He had threatened the victim on the phone several times but the family never thought they would come and attack them with swords.
Breaking: Nihang Sikhs entered the house and killed a Hindu Shammi Kumar in Patti Tarn Taran. His son's wrist was also cut by Nihangs. The whole matter is being told about money transfer.
— PunFact (@pun_fact) July 30, 2024
The terror of Sikh extπemists is increasing day by day in Punjab. pic.twitter.com/FMmE8Hlxz3
The residents of the area heard the argument and rushed to Shammi’s house. They pelted stones and bricks after which Nihangs fled the scene. Shammi, Karan and Aman were rushed to the hospital where Shammi succumbed to his injuries due to heavy blood loss.
Speaking to the media, Patti City Police Station SHO Jaspal Singh said that there was a monetary dispute of Rs 1.75 lakhs between Shammi and the attackers for over two years. On the day of the incident, the attackers came dressed as Nihangs and killed Shammi. SSP Ashwini Kapoor rushed to the spot to take stock of the situation. The family members raised slogans against the administration and the police upon seeing him. SSP had to leave after taking the information about the incident amidst the protests by the family members and locals.
In a statement, Aman Puri said, “My uncle had a dispute over a transaction of money with nihangs. A compromise had been reached 15 days ago at their dera in Goindwal Sahib. Despite the compromise, they attacked my uncle.” The family of the victim staged sit-in protest in the city and stated they would not cremate the body till the accused were arrested. Some of the family members also created ruckus at the hospital claiming negligence in treatment. Police officials including SP(D) Ajayraj Singh and Patti DSP Kanwalpreet Singh reached the crime spot and assured the family members and the accused have been identified and would be arrested soon.
Attacks by Nihang Sikhs
The incidents of attacks by Nihang Sikhs in Punjab have increased exponentially over the years. On 23rd July, a man near Harmandir Sahib was attacked by Nihang Sikhs claiming he was consuming tobacco. On 8th July, Nihang Sikhs halted the shooting of a TV series in Mohali claiming sacrilege. On 5th July, Nihang Sikhs attacked the chief of Shiv Sena in Punjab, Sandeep Thapar in broad daylight. On 15th January, Nihang Sikhs allegedly killed a youth at a Gurdwara in Phagwara claiming sacrilege. On 22nd November 2023, Nihang Sikhs opened fire at police officers in Sultanpur Lodhi of district Kapurthala. A list of such recent attacks can be checked here.
