Disputed Trust Deed Sparks Fresh Controversy Over Gulmarg Gurdwara Management
A fresh controversy has engulfed the management of Gurdwara Bhai Vir Singh in Gulmarg following the emergence of a disputed 'trust deed' and allegations of an unauthorised bank account. The dispute centres on the registration of a 'Deed of Trust' titled 'M/S Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee Baramulla', reportedly executed on May 19, 2026, in Baramulla under the names of two senior office-bearers of the District Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (DGPC).
Allegations of Self-Appointment and Irregularities
Manmeet Singh, an elected DGPC member, alleged that the two office bearers appointed themselves as trustees without any resolution or approval from the DGPC House. 'The issue has caused widespread concern among the Sikh community in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly because the prefix 'M/S' is generally associated with commercial entities rather than religious institutions,' he said. He further claimed that no resolution authorising the opening or operation of the bank account mentioned in the trust deed was ever presented before or approved by the DGPC.
Unauthorised Bank Account and Violation of Law
According to Manmeet Singh, instead of the original account of the gurdwara — which had been in existence since August 2022 — these self-appointed trustees operated transactions through another account under the title 'Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee', which was unauthorised. He alleged that the Jammu and Kashmir Sikh Gurdwaras and Religious Endowment Act, 1973, requires that bank accounts be opened strictly in the name of the concerned gurdwara.
Donation Fund of Rs 50 Lakh Returned After Akal Takht Intervention
Another DGPC member, Rajinder Singh, raised concerns over a donation fund of nearly Rs 50 lakh reportedly meant for the renovation of the gurdwara. He claimed that the amount was later returned following the intervention of Akal Takht officiating Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, under circumstances that warranted investigation. He also objected to a clause in the trust deed which, according to him, provides that in the event of the trust's dissolution, its assets would be transferred to another charitable or religious trust run by members of the Muslim community.
Complaints Filed Seeking Investigation
Complaints have been submitted to the offices of the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Crime Branch, Srinagar and Baramulla, seeking an investigation into the matter. 'The trust deed appears to have been executed without proper statutory authority and contains several apparent irregularities, all of which require a thorough and independent investigation,' Rajinder Singh said. Repeated attempts to contact the two office bearers for their response remained unsuccessful.
