Overview
- The 28-year-old granthi, identified as Jaspal Singh, consumed a poisonous substance and died on June 12 after he was allegedly harassed, police said.
- Mahilpur police arrested six granthis named Satinder Singh, Rajwant Singh, Pargat Singh, Gurjant Singh, Tasveer Singh and Mehar Singh who are linked to gurdwaras around Hoshiarpur.
- The FIR cites sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita including provisions for abetment of suicide and also names three to four unidentified persons for further probe.
- Jaspal’s father told police that on June 9 the accused visited his son to demand a share of religious programmes such as Akhand Path and Sehaj Path and then allegedly accused him of sacrilege when he refused.
- Investigations are ongoing and police say they will establish whether the alleged threats and pressure over gurdwara duties and fees contributed to the death, a development that could affect local gurdwara operations and the victim’s family.