Ottawa: A meeting convened to discuss the financial accounts of a Gurdwara in Canada descended into chaos after members of two rival factions clashed over issues related to the management of the shrine’s donation box (golak). Videos of the incident, including CCTV footage, have since surfaced on social media, drawing widespread attention.
According to reports, tensions escalated during a meeting of the Gurdwara management committee when an argument over financial matters turned physical. Members belonging to different groups allegedly engaged in pushing and shoving, disrupting the proceedings.
President Accused of Threatening Member
A video circulating online appears to show the Gurdwara committee president slapping a member before brandishing a barchha (traditional spear) during the confrontation. Supporters of the Mehar Singh faction have alleged that the president attempted to assault one of their members, triggering the scuffle between the two sides.
The altercation created panic inside the Gurdwara premises before those present intervened to separate the groups.
CCTV Footage Goes Viral
CCTV footage purportedly capturing the incident has been widely shared on social media. The video was posted on August 2 by an Instagram page named “Jatt We Like Canada” and has since been viewed extensively.
An audio clip, allegedly featuring the committee president, has also been circulated on the same social media page, containing various allegations. However, the authenticity of the recording has not been independently verified, and no official confirmation regarding its contents has been issued.
No Official Statement Yet
As of now, there has been no official statement from the Gurdwara management regarding the incident or the allegations exchanged by both factions. It also remains unclear whether any complaint has been lodged with local Canadian authorities in connection with the altercation.
The incident has sparked discussion within sections of the Sikh community, with many calling for transparency in Gurdwara management and urging disputes to be resolved through dialogue rather than confrontation.