SGPC Land Fraud: Seven Accused of Illegally Selling Gurdwara Amb Sahib Property
Sohana police have registered a formal case against seven individuals for their alleged involvement in the illegal sale of 44 marlas of land belonging to Gurdwara Amb Sahib. This historic gurdwara is managed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex religious body of Sikhs.
Forged Power of Attorney Used in Elaborate Scheme
The accused are alleged to have executed the sale using a completely forged power of attorney, which has resulted in a substantial financial loss estimated at approximately Rs 1.32 crore for the SGPC. The case was initiated based on a detailed complaint filed by SGPC secretary Pratap Singh with the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in Mohali.
In his official complaint, Pratap Singh alleged that the accused, acting in clear connivance with one another, prepared a counterfeit power of attorney dated October 15, 2025. This document bore fake signatures purporting to be those of the SGPC secretary himself. Utilizing this fraudulent authorization, the accused allegedly managed to get the prime land registered in their favor on December 2, 2025.
Key Accused and Violation of Sikh Gurdwaras Act
The individuals named in the First Information Report (FIR) have been identified as Rajinder Singh, a resident of Sector 44A in Chandigarh; Gurinder Singh, Talwinder Singh, Satvir Singh, Baljinder Singh, and Jaswant Singh, all residents of IT City in Mohali; and Jagtar Singh, a resident of Gurdwara Amb Sahib itself.
According to the SGPC's complaint, Rajinder Singh, who was serving as the manager of Gurdwara Amb Sahib at the time of the alleged crime, played a pivotal role in the conspiracy alongside the other accused. The SGPC has strongly emphasized that under the provisions of the Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925, the prior approval of the SGPC executive committee is absolutely mandatory for the sale of any property belonging to a notified gurdwara. In this instance, no such approval was ever sought or granted, making the entire transaction illegal from its inception.
Police Investigation Uncovers Financial Trail and Witness Complicity
Police investigations have revealed that the sum of around Rs 1.32 crore was received from the sale of the 44 marlas of land. This payment was processed through cheques drawn from various banks. It is alleged that the entire sale proceeds were misappropriated by the accused, directly causing a major financial loss to the SGPC's religious and charitable funds.
During the preliminary investigation, a further disturbing detail emerged. It was found that some of the accused individuals even signed as witnesses on the sale and registration documents, despite being fully aware that the power of attorney and all related papers were forged and illegitimate.
Legal Charges and Ongoing Probe
Sohana police have registered the case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), specifically Sections 318(4), 336(2), 336(3), 338, 340(2), and 61(2). These sections pertain to forgery, cheating, criminal conspiracy, and using forged documents as genuine. Police officials have confirmed that a thorough investigation is currently underway, with the specific role of each accused being examined in minute detail. Further legal action will be decisively taken based on the conclusive findings of the ongoing probe.
