Ghaziabad Resident Subhan Rangrez Arrested Following Golden Temple Incident and Nihang Altercation
In a significant development, Subhan Rangrez, a resident of Ghaziabad who was identified in a viral video allegedly rinsing his mouth in the sacred Sarovar of the Golden Temple on January 13, has been arrested and sent to judicial custody. The arrest followed an altercation at his residence involving a group of Nihangs on Saturday, marking a dramatic escalation in the controversy surrounding the incident.
Police Intervention and Formal Complaints
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP, Ankur Vihar) Gyan Prakash Rai confirmed that a group of individuals visited Subhan's residence, leading to a confrontation. The police promptly intervened, arrested Subhan, filed a challan, and subsequently sent him to judicial custody. Meanwhile, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has lodged a formal complaint against Subhan, adding legal weight to the case.
Viral Video and Social Media Fallout
A video uploaded on the social media handle of Akali Jasvinder Singh, titled "Singha nae lita insasf, quom naal jine matha laya hai onu kisi ne nahi chadya" (Singhs have taken justice; whoever has dared to challenge the community has never been spared), appears to depict a Nihang slapping a person believed to be Subhan. Although this footage could not be independently verified, it underscores the intense reactions from the Sikh community. Another video claims that a formal complaint was registered at the Ankur Vihar police station in Ghaziabad.
Details from Golden Temple Manager
Rajinder Singh Ruby, the manager of the Golden Temple, who filed the complaint under Section 298 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Division E police station, provided further insights. He alleged that Subhan visited the temple with a group of five people. According to Ruby, one individual recorded the video of Subhan performing 'wudu' in the holy Sarovar, while three others stood nearby. Notably, the group remained at the Golden Temple for approximately 20 minutes without offering obeisance, suggesting their primary intention was to record the video during the ritual, which violates the Sikh code of religious conduct, known as maryada.
Subhan's Apology and Community Backlash
Following the viral video, Subhan, who posted a reel identifying himself as "Muslim Sher," issued an apology. He stated that he was unaware of the Golden Temple maryada and claimed that no one present informed him about it. However, his apology was rejected by some Sikh groups, who pointed out in a video that Subhan kept his hands in his pockets during the incident, which they deemed disrespectful and not in accordance with maryada. In response, Subhan apologized again with folded hands.
Despite his apologies, some Sikh organizations have called for the registration of a complaint against him in his hometown and advocated for "teaching him a lesson," reflecting the deep-seated sentiments within the community.
Legal and Social Implications
This incident highlights the delicate balance between religious sensitivity and legal accountability in India. The arrest of Subhan Rangrez and the involvement of the SGPC and police underscore the seriousness with which such violations are treated. As the case progresses, it will likely set a precedent for how similar incidents are handled in the future, emphasizing the importance of respecting religious practices and maintaining communal harmony.
