The first FIR under Punjab's amended anti-sacrilege act was filed at Malout City police station in Muktsar district on Friday after the recovery of torn pages from Gutka Sahib of Sukhmani Sahib. The case was registered against unidentified person/s under Section 5 of Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act and BNS Section 299 (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings).
Discovery of Torn Pages
According to police, a ragpicker on Thursday met Malout resident Jangir Singh and told him that he had seen several torn pages of Gutka Sahib lying among the garbage. Jangir and some other residents went to the site, gathered the torn pages and handed them over to Jathedar Kirpal Singh of Gurdwara Baba Deep Singh Dheer Singh Bugga Sahib, who respectfully placed these ‘angs' (pages) in the gurdwara.
Authorities Informed and Crowd Gathers
The gurdwara authorities, including Kirpal Singh, Charanjit Singh Khalsa and ex-MC Jagdev Singh, informed police. As word spread, a crowd gathered at the gurdwara. Muktsar SSP Abhimanyu Rana told TOI that police began their investigation immediately. Officers visited the gurdwara and assured them that they would trace those responsible for the crime.
Background of the Amended Act
The assembly passed the bill in a special session on April 13, and Punjab Governor gave assent on April 17. The Act was notified the next day, turning the amendments into law, which includes life term for certain sacrilege offences. This FIR marks the first application of the amended law since its enactment.
