Chaos at Germany gurdwara: Kirpans drawn, turbans hurled as violent clash leaves 11 injured

A shocking outbreak of violence inside a Sikh place of worship in Germany left at least 11 people injured after a fierce clash involving more than 40 people at a gurdwara in Moers, North Rhine-Westphalia, triggering a massive police operation and deep concern within the global Sikh community.

The confrontation erupted recently at Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Duisburg, where groups allegedly armed with pepper spray, knives, kirpans and a reported firearm turned the sacred premises into a battleground. German newspaper Bild reported that elite tactical police units were deployed after gunfire was reported.

Eyewitnesses said the violence was linked to a long-running internal dispute over the gurdwara’s finances, leadership control and management authority, though German police have not officially confirmed the exact trigger.

Assault appeared planned, says witness

According to witnesses, tensions exploded shortly before prayers began, when one group allegedly launched a coordinated assault.

A 56-year-old eyewitness told Bild that attackers first used pepper spray to disorient rivals before the violence escalated further.

“Shortly before the prayer service, attackers used pepper spray, then one fired a pistol. I also saw knives,” the witness said.

The dispute is believed to involve former committee members and the current management, with allegations centred on control of the institution and community funds.

“The background is a dispute between former committee members and the current ones. It also involves money belonging to the community. There have been problems for quite some time. But mainly it is about influence and who has the say here in the temple,” the witness added.

Golak dispute and takeover claims surface

In a video posted on X by independent journalist Ravinder Singh Robin, a person at the scene alleged the clash was connected to disputes over the gurdwara’s golak — the donation box used for offerings and financial contributions — along with an attempt by the previous management to reclaim control after being voted out.

As panic spread, worshippers reportedly fled in fear.

One eyewitness told German newspaper Neue Ruhr Zeitung (NRZ) that several people ran out of the building, some without shoes.

Injured treated as police storm premises

At least 11 people were reported injured, many suffering head wounds. Other reports suggested three to four people sustained lighter cuts and injuries to the head or legs. Emergency responders, including paramedics and an emergency doctor, treated victims at the scene.

The scale of the unrest prompted a swift and heavy police response. Around 100 officers, including a Special Task Force (SEK) unit from Düsseldorf, surrounded the building after reports of gunfire, according to Bild.

Heavily armed officers took positions outside while a police helicopter monitored the area from above.

Fearing an armed suspect remained inside, authorities sealed the premises before SEK commandos armed with submachine guns entered the gurdwara. No gunman was found, though at least one suspect was detained.

Weapon yet to be recovered

Investigators are now working to piece together the sequence of events and identify those responsible.

The firearm allegedly used during the clash has not been recovered. However, initial evidence, including cartridge casings found at the scene, suggests it may have been a blank-firing weapon, Bild reported.

Police said the probe remains wide-ranging and includes both the violence itself and the underlying governance and financial dispute.

Sikh voices condemn shameful scenes

The disturbing visuals from the clash sparked outrage and sadness among Sikhs worldwide.

Journalist Ravinder Singh Robin described the incident as “shocking”, writing that Sikhs were fighting inside a gurdwara, with turbans in the air and kirpans — symbols meant to defend the weak — turned against one another.

Author and journalist Man Aman Singh Chhina also condemned the episode, calling it a “shameful clash” where turbans were tossed and kirpans used in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib.

For a community globally associated with compassion, courage, service and dignity, the scenes from Moers have left many deeply shaken.