At least five people were injured after a man attacked devotees and workers with an iron rod inside the Golden Temple premises on Friday. The attack took place at Shri Guru Ram Dass Sarai, a lodging facility for pilgrims. The assailant was identified as Zulfan, a resident of Yamuna Nagar, Haryana. According to Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Jaspal Singh, Zulfan climbed to the second floor of the Guru Ram Dass Sarai complex while holding an iron rod.
"When a worker, Jasbir Singh, tried to stop him, he attacked him. He then assaulted other devotees and workers who attempted to intervene. The crowd overpowered him and handed him over to the police. A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway," he said, as per news agency.
The attack occurred inside the historic Guru Ram Dass Serai, near the community kitchen.
Golden Temple Incident: 2 Of 5 Injured In Serious Condition
Dr Sahil Kundra, Medical Officer at Sri Guru Ram Das Charitable Hospital, confirmed that five injured people were admitted for treatment. "Two patients are in critical condition and have been shifted to Sri Guru Ram Das Medical College & Hospital, Vallah. One of them is on ventilator. Three others have been discharged after receiving first aid," he told ANI.
The police have also arrested another suspect, who allegedly accompanied the attacker to the Golden Temple. “The second accused allegedly conducted recce along with the one who attacked devotees,” a police officer said, as per Indian Express.
An SGPC official said the body would pay the expenses for the injured.
SGPC (Sarai) manager Gurpreet Singh told ANI, "...The injured have been admitted to the Sri Guru Ram Das Charitable Hospital and the three patients have been relieved. Two of the patients have been shifted to the Sri Guru Ram Das Medical College & Hospital, Vallah...SGPC will pay their expenses...One of the sewadars (attendants) of the Golden Temple is very serious and has sustained head injuries...The condition of one youth from Bathinda is also serious..."
Authorities are continuing their probe into the incident.