Power Struggle At California’s Turlock Gurdwara Leads To An Ugly Brawl

Turlock police responded to a massive brawl at the local Sikh Temple on Sunday.

 

More than a hundred people were at Sikh Temple Turlock when the fight broke out and several were hurt, according to police. The fight escalated, multiple agencies responded, and bystanders said police deployed pepper spray and tasers.

 

Police Lt. James Silveira confirmed the fight broke out around 12:30 p.m  at the Sikh temple on 5th Street as members were attending a service. A place of peace became pure chaos. Harinder Toor said a fight occurred between two different groups--- the founders and the new leadership group.

 

Cellphone video of the brawl has gone viral. It shows some members yelling and shoving. Both men and women were seen throwing punches. A few members were even swinging their religious symbols above their heads.

 

"It's a violent fight because you see the dagger, the 'kirpan,' which is an article of faith, being used on people," Toor said. "It could have been deadly."