The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has raised strong objections to the functioning of the special investigation team (SIT) constituted by the Punjab government to investigate the case of 328 missing saroops of the Granth Sahib. In a statement issued on Tuesday, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami alleged that the SIT was exceeding its jurisdiction and unnecessarily meddling in the internal and administrative affairs of the SGPC.
Allegations of Overreach
Dhami stated that under the guise of investigation, attempts are being made to undermine the constitutional status of the Sikh community's premier religious institution, which cannot be accepted under any circumstances. He emphasized that the SGPC has cooperated with the investigation team with complete sincerity and transparency from the very beginning.
Cooperation with SIT
Keeping the directives of the Akal Takht in view, the SGPC provided every possible piece of information and assistance to the SIT. However, instead of appreciating this cooperation, the SIT has made the SGPC's administrative and internal matters part of its agenda, Dhami claimed.
He further alleged that the SIT continuously sought information that had no connection whatsoever with the case of the 328 holy saroops. For instance, the SIT has now requested details regarding agreements signed over a long period with private channels, ETC and G Next Media, concerning Gurbani Kirtan broadcast, despite these having no relation to the case.
Repeated Requests for Information
Dhami also pointed out that the information already submitted to the SIT was repeatedly being sought again through fresh letters, causing unnecessary duplication and harassment. He reiterated that the SGPC remains committed to the investigation but expects the SIT to stay within its mandate and respect the autonomy of the religious body.
