Know Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale, and a spat with Taksal head

Sikh preacher Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale, 36, who was attacked near Ludhiana on Tuesday, in which a follower of his was shot dead, is an outspoken man. He is known to have spats with other preachers, sect heads and even Punjabi singers online, via his videos posted on Facebook and other social media sites. He was recently embroiled in one such virtual fight with the chief of hardline Sikh organisation Damdami Taksal. Here’s all about him and the spat:

o A ‘gurmat pracharak’ (preacher), Dhadrianwale is associated with the Nirvair Khalsa Jatha with its headquarters at Gurdwara Parmeshar Dwar Sahib on the Patiala-Sangur highway.

o Known for his vociferous criticism of Sirsa dera head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, Dhadrianwale was recently embroiled in a spat with the Damdami Taksal head Harnam Singh Dhumma, calling him a “government agent”, on social media.

o The latter had apparently raised objections to the manner in which Dhadrianwale tied his turban.

o In Sept 2015, Dhadhrianwale and several Sikh radical leaders had revolted against Akal Takth jathedars for pardoning Ram Rahim in a blasphemy case. Dhadrianwale had also alleged that he had received a threat from one of the five jathedars.

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