Sant Rama Nand : Vienna Sikh Guru Attack Sparks Mass India Riots

Indian Sikh Guru Sant Rama Nand death sparks massive riots and mob destruction across Punjab, Inida
Mad as hell: Protest erupt across Indian state of Punjab as Guru Sant Rama Nand dies in Austria.


The death of a 57-year-old Indian Guru Sant Rama Nand in Austria has sparked violent and deadly riots half a world away in cities across India. Guru Sant Rama Nand died in Vienna after succumbing to wounds in hospital early Monday, sparking violence.

Guru Sant Rama Nand was attacked on Sunday in Vienna, during clashes at a religious ceremony at the weekend by six men armed with knives and a pistol.
Train is torched after riots began with the news Sant Rama Nand had been killed in Vienna, Austria.

BBC News report s that thousands of angry protesters have taken to streets and damaged to public infrastructure has been widespread in several Indian cities and towns, including mobs setting trains on fire.

A number of rioters were injured when police opened fire at protesters who attacked a police station in the city of Jalandhar. At least two protesters were killed in the northern state of Punjab.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has appealed for calm after news of the death of Sant Rama Nand came to hand.

Another Sikh guru, Sant Niranjan Dass was also wounded in the Vienna attack on the visiting religious leaders.

A police officer in Punjap state said: "One person was killed at Lambra village by the army [and] another one was shot dead at Jalandhar by police in order to control the mob."

In the Sikh holy city of Amritsa, police fired tear gas to control crowds after protesters torched dozens of vehicles. Around 12 people were injured during Sant Rama Nand inspired protests.

The attack on Guru Sant Rama Nand was triggered by a dispute about the role of castes in the Sikh religion.

Leaders at the temple have campaigned against the system, but their stance has angered other Sikhs across Austria.

Indian Foreign Minister SM Krishna said the government would ensure that the people responsible for the "completely mindless" and "wanton" attack were brought to justice.

Via BBC and Sky News