Two Sikh Sevadars were killed and one was injured in firing outside the Gurdwara in Covo, Italy. During the preparations for Nagar Kirtan, the attackers riding in a car fired about 10 bullets. Police is busy investigating.
Rome: The firing outside a Gurudwara located in Kovo has shocked the local community. Two Sikh sevadars were killed in this attack, while another person is seriously injured. The incident took place when preparations were going on in the Gurudwara for Nagar Kirtan on the occasion of Vaisakhi.
The attackers who came by car opened fire
According to the police, the incident occurred around 11:50 pm when the congregation was coming out of the gurudwara. Meanwhile, the attackers who came in a car suddenly started firing. According to eyewitnesses, the attackers fired about 10 rounds.
Three people injured in the attack were immediately rushed to the hospital, where doctors declared two dead, while the third person is undergoing treatment. After the incident, the attackers fled from the spot, causing chaos in the area.
Identification of the dead and mourning in the community
Police have identified the deceased as Rajinder Singh, 48, and Gurmeet Singh, 48. Both had been serving as sevadars at the Gurdwara for a long time and were respected members of the local Sikh community.
Rajinder Singh lived in Covo and has three children, while Gurmeet Singh was a resident of the Agnadello-Cremona region and has two children. This incident has caused deep grief to their families and community.
Vaisakhi celebrations were affected
The attack took place at a time when preparations for Nagar Kirtan on the occasion of Vaisakhi were going on in the Gurudwara. It is an important religious event of the Sikh community, in which a large number of devotees participate.
After the incident, Nagar Kirtan has been canceled due to security reasons. Local administration and community leaders have appealed to maintain peace.
Police investigation: suspicion of personal rivalry
Italian police have started investigating the case and preliminary investigation has revealed that the attack may possibly be related to personal enmity. Police have also indicated that the attacker may be of Indian origin, although this has not been officially confirmed yet.
The area has been cordoned off and the search for the suspects is ongoing. The police are scanning the CCTV footage installed nearby so that the attackers can be identified.
Question on security of Sikh community in Europe
This incident also raises questions about the security of the Sikh community settled in Europe. Italy has a large population of Sikh community, which contributes significantly in agriculture, industry and service sector.
In such a situation, such violent incidents outside religious places have increased the concern over security arrangements and community harmony.
Administration and community response
The local administration has strongly condemned the incident and assured to arrest the culprits soon. At the same time, Sikh organizations have also called this attack tragic and worrying and have demanded justice.
Community leaders have appealed to people to maintain peace and avoid rumours. Additionally, assistance and support initiatives have also been launched for the affected families.
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