Amritsar: Five people have been reported injured after a man attacked devotees with an iron rod during a gathering at Sri Guru Ramdas Niwas in Amritsar's Golden Temple. The devotees had gathered to celebrate the New Nanakshahi Year.

The accused has been identified as Zulfan and he hails from Haryana. Among the injured, three were devotees and two sewadars (attendants) of the Golden Temple.

Among those injured, one Sikh youth from Bathinda, is reportedly critical and is currently undergoing treatment in the emergency wing of the Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, Amritsar.

According to the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC), the Sikh body responsible for managing the temple, the attack took place near the community kitchen at the Guru Ram Das inn.

SGPC also said,the attacker suddenly picked up a rod and started assaulting devotees.

Police Nabs Accused

The police has nabbed the accused. “The second accused allegedly conducted recce along with the one who attacked devotees,” a police officer said speaking to The Indian Express.

SGPC Staff Asked Attacker To Leave

Reportedly, before the attack SGPC staff stopped the man because he was acting suspiciously and asked for his identity. He argued with them and was told to leave. He left but came back with an iron rod and attacked the staff and devotees who tried to stop him.