A police constable was killed while six others sustained injuries amid an exchange of fire between two Nihang factions vying to take over control of Gurdwara Sri Akal Bunga Sahib in Punjab’s Kapurthala district.

The constable who lost his life has been identified as Jaspal Singh, The incident took place when the policemen tried to arrest some Nihangs (Sikhs carrying traditional weapons) at Sultanpur Lodhi in relation to a recorded case, as stated by a senior police official during a phone conversation, PTI reported.

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Senior officials have reached the location and a substantial deployment of police personnel has been stationed in the area, sources said.

According to Kapurthala Superintendent of Police (Headquarters) Tejbir Singh Hundal, the Nihangs opened fire on the police officers while they were on the road, leaving one constable dead, PTI reported.

Lakhwinder Singh, House officer, Sultanpur Lodhi Police Station confirmed Constable Jaspal Singh was dead; others suffered ‘kirpan’ (sword) injuries, as per Indian Express.

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Although the identities of the people behind the gunfire remain uncertain, tensions have been building between the two groups for the past several days. The conflict stemmed from a dispute over gurdwara possession, with the police and civil administration involved in resolution attempts, Indian Express reported.

According to police sources, Baba Budha Dal 96 Karori Sant Balbir Singh had long held Gurdwara Sri Akal Bunga opposite the historical Gurdwara Ber Sahib in Sultanpur Lodhi. Nirvair Singh and Jagjit Singh managed the gurdwara on his behalf.

On November 21, Sant Baba Man Singh, leading a splinter faction, forcibly entered the gurdwara with his associates. They assaulted Nirvair Singh and Jagjit Singh, seized weapons, phones, and money, and took control of the gurdwara.

A case against Baba Man Singh and his associates was filed at Sultanpur Lodhi police station based on Jagjit Singh’s statement.

(With Agencies Inputs)