A brawl involving cricket bats and small swords at a Sikh temple in New York City has led to riot and assault charges against seven people.
Police say the defendants interrupted prayer services at the Baba Makhan Shah Lubana Sikh Center in Queens on Sunday. They were arraigned Monday.
It wasn't immediately clear if any of those charged had a lawyer.
Temple president Jamail Singh told the Daily News that the fight was instigated by a dissident group of followers who are opposed to opening up membership.
The dispute is at the center of a lawsuit in state Supreme Court.
Some of those arrested Sunday also were charged with disrupting a religious service.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
