Flying turbans, kirpans: Gurudwara in Germany turns into battleground as Sikh groups clash

Violence broke out at a Gurudwara in western Germany, triggering a major police operation after reports of weapons and gunfire during a clash involving dozens of people. According to German media reports, the incident took place at a gurdwara in the town of Moers, where a dispute escalated into a large-scale altercation on Sunday.

Witnesses told German tabloid Bild that more than 40 individuals were involved in the confrontation, with some allegedly using knives, pepper spray and even a firearm.



At least 11 people were injured in the violence, most suffering head wounds. Emergency responders treated the injured at the scene. Police detained at least one individual, while investigators began collecting evidence, including shell casings that suggested a blank-firing pistol may have been used.

Videos on social media showed a mass brawl with some pulling out kirpans as the violence escalated.

"Some miscreants started attacking us. They were carrying weapons and fired on us. There were women and children inside," a witness claimed.

"After the Guru's fund got closed this group (the previous administration) went violent and started attacking," he claimed.



Officers sealed off the area, while a helicopter hovered overhead during the search. However, authorities later confirmed that no armed suspect was found inside the premises.

German broadcaster WDR reported that the clash stemmed from a long-running internal dispute within the community.