At least 11 individuals sustained injuries during a violent clash at a gurdwara in the Duisburg area of Moers, Germany. The altercation involved about 40 people and quickly turned physical within the religious premises. Social media footage depicted members of two groups engaging in a heated confrontation, reportedly involving the use of sharp weapons like knives and kirpans.
German media outlet Bild reported that the cause of the clash is currently under investigation, with initial indications pointing towards disputes related to the election of a new gurdwara management board. These disagreements are suspected to revolve around control of gurdwara funds, with rival factions vying for authority and financial oversight.
A witness, aged 56, described the incident as premeditated, mentioning the sudden use of pepper spray and firearms just before the service commenced. Tensions had been simmering for a while, primarily attributed to leadership and control disputes within the management committee. Another witness highlighted the panic that ensued during the attack, leading to the evacuation of many individuals from the gurdwara premises, fortunately without any life-threatening injuries.
Emergency services tended to the injured at the scene, while law enforcement confirmed the detainment of at least one suspect. The criminal department is actively investigating to piece together the sequence of events and identify all parties involved in the violence. Authorities disclosed that the firearm used in the clash has not been recovered yet, with initial forensic analysis hinting at it being a blank-firing weapon based on shell casings discovered at the location. The investigation remains ongoing.
