Gurudwara blast in Germany worries India

Nanaksar Satsang Darbar Essen Gurudwara, Sikhs, India, Sukhbir Singh Badal, Akali Dal, Germany, Sushma Swaraj, explosion, attack

New Delhi, April 17, 2016: An explosion in the Nanaksar Satsang Darbar Essen Gurudwara that injured 3 people in the Western Germany has got the Indian government worried.

As per sources, the explosion took place during a marriage ceremony.

Gurudwara Granthi Kuldeep Singh got injured in the blast and was hospitalized where his condition is said to be stable.

Official Spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs, India, Vikas Swaroop said:

Distressed to hear of an explosion in a Gurudwara in Essen in Germany. Our Mission is following up w/ local authorities on ground situation.

The explosion prompted the Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab, Sukhbir Singh Badal, from the ruling political party, Shiromani Akali Dal to take up the issue with Sushma Swaraj. He tweeted:

Urging to tk up issue of safety of Sikhs & religious places vd German government.

Sushma Swaraj replied to him and informed that she has asked the Indian Ambassador to Germany to take the issue up at the highest level with  theGerman authorities and convey India’s concern.

Meanwhile the Indian Ambassador to Germany, Gurjit Singh, has reassured the people that they are doing their best to help:

Police are investigating various angles after Essen Gurdwara blast.we are in touch with authorities at federal and local level to protect .

The Indian Ambassador also informed that the injured Gurudwara priest Kuldeep Singh is in good spirits and is also recovering while the other 2 injured have been discharged from the Essen hospital. It further stressed that the Consul General has already visited the hospital to ensure their welfare.
He also said that the the Mayor and the police chief of Essen have promised full investigation into the Gurudwara incident and said that the Mayor joined Consul General of  Frankfurt to address the sangat  (congregation of the Sikhs) at the Gurudwara.
It has yet not come to light whether this was a hate crime or a small-scale terrorist attack.
Sikhs are a small minority group in the country.