TURLOCK: The managing committee of Sikh Temple Turlock California announced May 8 that it has been forced to file a Chapter 11 reorganization proceeding in the Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of California. The Gurdwara is presently unable to pay current obligations as they are incurred. This financial condition is directly linked to an attempted hostile takeover of the Temple which unfolded on March 241991 according to a press release from the management. Outside groups of agitator’s have attempted to physically take over the Temple. The first such incident began on March 241991 when a large group attempted to physically take over the Temple but were stopped by the Turlock Police Department with assistance of Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department and California Highway Patrol. Order was established and maintained by these police officers the release added. Other incidents involving violence and threats of violence have been reported to the Turlock Police Department and other ‘this have allegedly been directed against the Priest and other leaders of the Temple since that time.

On or about March 241991 the General Committee of the Temple unanimously agreed to authorize the filing of a lawsuit to attempt to stop this violence and continuing threats of violence The Temple leaders allege that the violent parties are primarily from Yuba City Los Banos and other parts of California. Most of the parties are originally from the State of Punjab India.

After the Temporary Restraining Order was issued by the Stanislaus County Superior Court the parties most of whom were served in Yuba City and Los Banos California have allegedly continued the intimidation of worshipers at the Temple threatening those who normally contribute to the Temple. This disturbance which has also caused great fear to the normal Temple worshipers has greatly reduced charitable donations made to the Temple and has adversely affected the Temple’s present ability to pay Current obligations the press release said.

Article extracted from this publication >> May 17, 1991