Initial investigation revealed that internal disputes within the Gudwara might have occurred over a new board of directors. Screengrab: @Hamp_Allen
11 injured in violent clash at gurdwara in Germany’s Moers
The clash followed a dispute between rival groups escalated into violence at a gurdwara in Moers, with knives, pepper spray and a firearm reportedly used
At least 11 people were injured in a violent clash between two groups in the Duisburg locality in the German city of Moers. During the clash, knives, kirpans, other bladed weapons and even a firearm were used.
Reason behind the clash
According to a report by the German newspaper Bild, the clash, which involved around 40 people, took place on Sunday (April 19). The report further stated that although the exact reason behind the clash is yet to be clear, initial investigation revealed that internal disputes within the Gudwara might have occurred over a new board of directors. Another reason behind the dispute was the struggle among different groups over control of the gurdwara funds.
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The injuries are mostly head injuries. However, reports said that no one was in a critical condition. The injured were treated at the spot by paramedics and an emergency physician.
Eyewitnesses describe sudden violence
Eyewitness accounts revealed that shortly after the service commenced, the attackers suddenly sprayed pepper spray on their opponents.
A 56-year-old member of the congregation who was present at the spot during the altercation alleged that the violence must have been pre-planned. He also said that one person even fired a pistol, adding that he also saw knives during the altercation.
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“This must have been planned. Shortly before the service began, the attackers suddenly had pepper spray and sprayed their opponents. Then one of them fired a pistol. And I also saw knives,” he said.
One suspect detained
“The background is a dispute between former and current board members, which also involves church funds. There have been problems and conflicts for some time. But it's mainly about influence and who has the final say here at the temple. When the attack began, many fled the temple in panic; it could have ended much worse. Fortunately, no one's life is in danger,” he added.
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The severity of the clash could be gauged from the fact that it led to a heavily armed special operations police unit being deployed at the spot. As police separated the two groups, riot squad officers armed with submachine guns surrounded the building, and a police helicopter hovered overhead.
Local media reports said that at least one suspect was handcuffed by police and placed in a patrol car, adding that the firearm has not yet been found.