A court here Tuesday sent a man, accused of desecrating the Guru Granth Sahib and hitting two priests at a gurdwara in Morinda, to two-day police remand even as markets remained shut in the town over the incident.
Jasvir Singh was arrested on Monday on charges of hurting religious sentiments and attempt to murder.
Director General of Punjab Police Guarav Yadav in Chandigarh said police are investigating the matter and if there is any conspiracy behind the unfortunate incident, it will be exposed.
Protests broke out on Monday after the incident in Morinda. The angry protesters had even ransacked the house of the accused, police said.
On Tuesday, the agitators, including 'Nihangs', held the protest at Verka Chowk, demanding exemplary punishment for the accused.
In a purported video which surfaced on social media, the accused wearing shoes could be seen entering the sanctum sanctorum of Kotwali Sahib gurdwara after crossing the railing and then hitting two 'granthis' who were reciting from the Guru Granth Sahib and then pushing the holy book.
Jasvir, who worked as an electrician, was later overpowered by devotees and beaten up. He was then handed over to the police.
On Tuesday, Jasvir was produced before the court of judicial magistrate (first class) in the district court complex here amid tight security arrangements. The court later sent him to two-day police remand.
Meanwhile, the District Bar Association of Rupnagar on Tuesday announced to abstain from work as a mark of protest against the sacrilege incident.
Amrik Singh, president of the bar association, also said they have decided not to represent the accused in the court.
In Chandigarh, DGP Yadav said, “It was an unfortunate incident.”
“If there is any conspiracy behind this incident, we will expose it and will deeply investigate it," he added.
Police on Monday said the accused was booked under IPC sections 295A (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) and 307 (attempt to murder).
The incident drew condemnation from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and other leaders cutting across party lines as well as Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh and SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami.
-With PTI Input
