11 injured after clash over management, financial dispute at German Gurdwara

As many as 11 people were injured following a violent altercation at a gurdwara in the Duisburg locality of Moers, Germany, prompting a large-scale police response.

The incident, which reportedly took place inside the religious premises, involved clashes between two groups, with videos circulating online showing chaotic scenes and physical confrontation.

According to a report by the German newspaper Bild, around 40 individuals were involved in the fight, prompting authorities to deploy special police units to bring the situation under control.
Witnesses suggested that sharp weapons such as knives and kirpans were used during the clash, along with pepper spray. There were also claims that a firearm was used inside the religious premises.

???????????? Shocking scenes from Gurdwara Duisburg, Germany:

Sikhs fighting inside sacred space, turbans flying, kirpans drawn on each other over Golak money, and a forced takeover by the previous management, who lost the election.

This violence isn’t random. It’s the direct result of… pic.twitter.com/47h4lni6w1

— Allen Hampton (@Hamp_Allen) April 20, 2026

Police said the exact cause of the violence is still under investigation, but preliminary findings indicate that tensions may have been linked to disputes over the election of a new board of directors and control over gurdwara funds.

In a conversation with Bild, a witness of the brutal altercation alleged that attackers used pepper spray at the outset, followed by the use of weapons. “This must have been planned. Shortly before the service began, the attackers suddenly had pepper spray and sprayed their opponents. Then, one of them fired a pistol. And I also saw knives,” the 56-year-old member of the congregation said.

Panic reportedly spread among those present, with several people fleeing the premises to escape the violence. “There have been problems and conflicts for some time. But it’s mainly about influence and who has the final say here at the temple. When the attack began, many fled the temple in panic; it could have ended much worse. Fortunately, no one’s life is in danger,” the witness said.

Paramedics and an emergency physician treated the injured at the scene. Police have detained at least one suspect, and an investigation is underway to identify all those involved.

While a firearm has not yet been recovered, evidence found at the site suggests it may have been a blank-firing weapon. According to Neue Ruhr Zeitung (NRZ), a spokesperson said, “The investigation is proceeding in all directions.”