SGPC Demands Evidence and Apology from Former Akal Takht Jathedars
In a significant development, the executive committee of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has taken decisive action against two former Akal Takht Jathedars. On Thursday, the committee issued a 72-hour ultimatum to Giani Raghbir Singh, the current head granthi of the Golden Temple, requiring him to substantiate his recent allegations with concrete evidence.
Notice to Giani Raghbir Singh
SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami announced the move after chairing an executive committee meeting in Amritsar. The notice directs Raghbir Singh to produce written proof supporting claims he made during a press conference in Jalandhar. Failure to comply will result in unspecified disciplinary measures.
Raghbir Singh had raised serious concerns about the SGPC's operations, alleging arbitrary sale of SGPC lands and potential corruption in these transactions. His accusations extended to other issues, including the removal of Giani Harpreet Singh, irregularities in selling dry rotis from the langar, and a demand for a fair investigation into the disappearance of 328 saroops of Guru Granth Sahib. He also called for convening a Sarbat Khalsa to address these matters.
Demand for Public Apology from Giani Harpreet Singh
Simultaneously, the SGPC executive body has demanded a public apology from another former Akal Takht Jathedar, Giani Harpreet Singh. The committee terms his accusations regarding alleged irregularities in land deals at Gurdwara Amb Sahib in Mohali and Gurdwara Bhattha Sahib in Ropar as "baseless and defamatory." If he fails to apologize, the SGPC will pursue a defamation lawsuit against him.
SGPC's Response and Ongoing Investigations
Dhami dismissed both sets of allegations as unfounded, stating that Raghbir Singh has tarnished the institution without evidence, while Harpreet Singh has misled the sangat (Sikh community). He confirmed that an investigation into fraudulent land transactions involving the manager of Gurdwara Amb Sahib is currently underway. Dhami assured that no individual involved—whether officer, employee, or outsider—will be exempt from scrutiny.
Furthermore, Dhami emphasized that future cases of employee misconduct will not be pardoned, reinforcing the SGPC's commitment to transparency and accountability. In a related note, he condemned a recent attack on a Sikh individual in Australia and urged the Government of India to address the issue through diplomatic channels.
This move by the SGPC marks a pivotal moment in addressing internal disputes and maintaining the integrity of Sikh religious institutions. The 72-hour deadline adds urgency to the situation, potentially leading to legal actions or further disciplinary steps if the demands are not met.
