As clashes between Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protesters and police spread across central Delhi on Monday, Gurdwara Bangla Sahib emerged as a place of refuge for injured protesters, stranded commuters and passers-by caught in the unrest.

With roads around Parliament Street, Connaught Place and Shivaji Stadium choked with protesters, police barricades and tear gas, many sought shelter inside the gurdwara premises. Sevadars welcomed those fleeing the violence, offering them a safe place to rest while reassuring anxious visitors.

As frightened commuters and injured protesters entered the premises, sevadars comforted them, saying, “Don’t worry, we are here. You are safe.” The situation outside the gurdwara, particularly near Gate No. 2, remained tense throughout the afternoon.

According to Delhi Police, protesters had blocked the road, preventing security personnel from moving through the area and resisting attempts to disperse the crowd, including through the use of tear gas. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as protesters, commuters and devotees found themselves trapped amid the confrontation.

The Tribune correspondent, who was reporting from the protest route, also sought refuge inside the gurdwara after becoming stranded.

The disruption to mobile internet services further compounded the situation. Many stranded commuters were unable to book cabs through app-based platforms, leaving them with few options but to wait inside the gurdwara until conditions outside eased.

For several hours, while chaos unfolded outside its gates, the gurdwara stood as a sanctuary, offering shelter, compassion and reassurance to anyone seeking safety, regardless of whether they were protesters, commuters or bystanders caught in the unrest.