SIT Records Former Takht Jathedar's Statement in Behbal Kalan Probe
Former Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh recorded his statement before the special investigation team (SIT) probing the Behbal Kalan police firing incident on Wednesday night. The SIT visited his residence and questioned him about the events leading to the incident.
Giani Raghbir reportedly told the SIT that SAD chief and former Deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal had acknowledged responsibility for the Behbal Kalan firing during proceedings at the Akal Takht. He stated that Sukhbir's admission, which is in the public domain, was video-recorded and covered by several media institutions.
The former Takht Jathedar clarified that his jurisdiction was limited to religious punishment that Sukhbir underwent, and he was not aware of the legal perspective or the SIT probe.
Sukhbir Accuses Giani Raghbir of Acting as AAP Member
Sukhbir Badal hit out at Giani Raghbir, alleging that he had been operating as a member of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). He claimed that the AAP government was planning to implicate him in a false case and arrest him before the 2027 Assembly polls.
The SAD chief stated, “Neither I am afraid of cases being registered against me nor I am afraid of going to jail. The very fact that former Akal Takht Jathedar is trying to implicate me in the Bargari sacrilege case indicates he is working like an active member of AAP.” He asserted that such actions by the former Takht Jathedar were against the ‘maryada’ of the Takht.
SAD Leaders Accuse Giani Raghbir of Violating Takht Hukamnama
Senior SAD leader Dr Daljit Singh Cheema said Giani Raghbir had violated the ‘hukamnama’ of the Takht, which prohibits using any proceedings of the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs in court-related cases. He noted that former Jathedar Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti had issued an edict that the proceedings of the Takht should not be presented as evidence in courts.
“Strict directions were given to the Sikh sangat to ensure this was followed in letter and spirit,” Cheema said.
Sukhbir Badal's Deposition Before Akal Takht
Speaking about his deposition before the Akal Takht on December 3, 2024, Sukhbir said, “As a humble Sikh, I took full responsibility for any fault committed by the SAD government and even for causing hurt if any to anyone.”
Background of Behbal Kalan Firing Incident
The Behbal Kalan police firing incident occurred in October 2015 during anti-sacrilege protests in Faridkot, when the SAD-BJP government was in power. It resulted in the deaths of two Sikh protesters.
