SGPC Retires Golden Temple Head Granthi Following Unsubstantiated Corruption Claims
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has taken decisive action against its former head granthi, Giani Raghbir Singh, following his public allegations of corruption within the religious body. The SGPC executive committee announced on Thursday that it has retired Singh from service after he failed to substantiate his claims with evidence.
72-Hour Notice and Failure to Provide Proof
SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami revealed that a special meeting was convened to address the serious allegations made by Giani Raghbir Singh. The committee had issued a 72-hour notice to Singh, demanding that he present concrete evidence supporting his corruption charges against the SGPC administration.
"He failed to provide any proof," Dhami stated emphatically to reporters after the meeting. "Giani Raghbir Singh recently held a press conference making allegations against the SGPC, thereby maligning the institution. As per the EC's February 19 decision, he was served a 72-hour notice to present evidence, but none was submitted."
Violation of Service Regulations and Undermining Dignity
The executive committee documented multiple violations by the former head granthi:
- Publicly making allegations through media channels without following proper internal procedures
- Violating specific SGPC service regulations governing employee conduct
- Undermining the dignity and sanctity of the office of head granthi of Sachkhand Sri Harmandar Sahib (Golden Temple)
- Performing morning and evening duties only minimally, failing to fulfill the responsibilities of the prestigious position
The committee unanimously determined that these actions warranted retirement from service, citing Singh's continued disregard for established protocols even after being served the notice.
Additional Concerns Raised by SGPC President
During the same briefing, Dhami addressed two other significant matters concerning the Sikh community:
- Special Investigation Team Alteration: The SGPC president questioned the government's decision to modify the composition of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the missing saroops case. He emphasized that Sikh officers should have been included as directed by the Akal Takht jathedar.
- Gurdwara Sri Amb Sahib Land Case: Regarding the land dispute involving Gurdwara Sri Amb Sahib in Mohali, Dhami expressed disappointment with police response despite the filing of a First Information Report (FIR).
The retirement of Giani Raghbir Singh marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to maintain discipline and accountability within one of Sikhism's most important religious institutions.
