Date:02/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/02/stories/2008070261290100.htm

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Sikh held for carrying kirpan to U.S. court

New York: A Sikh truck driver was arrested for carrying a kirpan and his turban “forcibly” removed while he was entering a Connecticut court to contest a traffic violation charge, a community advocacy group said on Tuesday.

The incident occurred when Sachdev Singh (47) was passing through security at the court on June 18, said United Sikhs. Mr. Singh was carrying the kirpan under his clothing. He told security officers before entering the metal detector that he had “a religious symbol.”

When passed under the metal detectors, Mr. Singh was arrested and his kirpan and turban were taken away.

After questioning, his handcuffs were removed and he was allowed to re-tie his turban. Then was placed under arrest for “carrying a dangerous weapon.”

He was released from jail after he posted bail. — PTI