Kaithal, March 23: Tension prevailed at Badsui village in Guhla of this district after a man was killed and around 15 others injured in a clash between two groups on Friday.
According to villagers, the clash took place over the division of land between a gurdwara and a temple. The two sites are reportedly located on the shamlat land.
SP Waseem Akram said deceased Shamsher Singh, 50, hailed from the village. Around 15 people from both groups sustained injuries and were admitted to the Civil Hospital here and Rajindra Hospital in Patiala.
He said all injured were out of danger.
A villager, on condition of anonymity, said the issue had flared up a year ago but was not addressed.
“On Thursday, it was noticed that a part of the land was being dug. When the gurdwara committee objected to the ‘unilateral demarcation’ of land, they were attacked by the other party. Supporters of both groups clashed. Shamsher suffered a head injury and died at Rajindra Hospital,” the villager said.
The SP said the administration had stopped any construction activity on the site. He said former sarpanch Om Prakash had been arrested for instigating people. Several others had been rounded, he added.
He said the preliminary probe showed that the clash was the outcome of electoral politics between the two factions of the village.
Akram said the villagers had stated that a grant of Rs 5 lakh was sanctioned under the MPLAD fund, but the purpose for which the central fund was allocated was being affirmed.
“A peace committee has been formed with members of various communities of Badsui and adjoining villages. They have been urged to find an amicable solution. We are keeping a strict vigil on the situation,” the SP said.
