Large fight at Greenwood Sikh temple leaves 9 injured

GREENWOOD, Ind. (WISH) — Police and medics responded to a verbal and physical fight involving roughly 150 people at a Sikh temple in Greenwood on Sunday afternoon. 

The fight started over a process to select temple leaders, which happens every two years. The altercation was over relinquishing the power among leaders within the temple, according to Greenwood Deputy Police Chief James Ison. He said he believes there was a worship service going on when the fight broke out. 

While part of the ceremonial dress includes daggers, Ison said no one was reported stabbed. Nine people suffered minor injuries and were taken to a hospital, where they will be questioned by police. They’re also reviewing surveillance video from the temple and interviewing other participants in the fight.

Authorities said someone reported a pepper spray bottle found thrown into a garbage can but could not confirm whether anyone at the scene was attacked with pepper spray. 

No additional information was immediately available.