The president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Harjinder Singh Dhami, has launched a sharp attack on the Punjab government. He has accused the state police of registering a "political" and "misleading" First Information Report (FIR) concerning the deeply sensitive case of missing sacred volumes, known as saroops, of the Guru Granth Sahib.
Allegations of a Politically Motivated FIR
Dhami's criticism stems from an FIR filed by the Punjab Police at the Mataur police station in Mohali district. The case revolves around the mysterious disappearance of 328 saroops of the Guru Granth Sahib from the SGPC's headquarters in Amritsar. The religious leader expressed strong disapproval of the police's approach, suggesting it was designed to shield the real culprits and confuse the Sikh community.
"The Punjab Police's FIR appears to be a political move," Dhami stated. He argued that the document was deliberately crafted to be "vague and misleading," potentially diverting attention from a proper investigation. The SGPC president raised a critical question about the timing and focus of the police action, asking why authorities were targeting the committee now instead of when the saroops initially went missing.
Demand for a High-Level Investigation
Asserting the SGPC's commitment to uncovering the truth, Dhami revealed that the committee had already initiated its own internal probe into the matter. He emphasized that the SGPC is fully prepared to cooperate with any fair and transparent investigation. However, he insisted that such a probe must be conducted at a much higher level to ensure its integrity and effectiveness.
"We demand that the government form a high-level committee to investigate this serious issue," Dhami said. He warned that the Sikh community worldwide is watching the developments closely and expects a resolution that respects the sanctity of the Guru Granth Sahib. The SGPC's stance is clear: they seek a credible investigation, not one they believe is tainted by political motives.
Background and Community Sentiment
The case of the missing saroops has sent shockwaves through the Sikh community, both in Punjab and across the globe. The Guru Granth Sahib is not merely a holy book but is considered the eternal living Guru by Sikhs. Any incident concerning its saroops is treated with the utmost seriousness and reverence.
The FIR filed by the Punjab Police has, according to Dhami, added a layer of controversy to an already painful episode. By labeling it as a political act, the SGPC chief is directly challenging the state government's handling of a profoundly religious matter. This confrontation highlights the ongoing tensions between religious bodies and political authorities in Punjab, especially on issues central to Sikh faith and identity.
The coming days will be crucial as pressure mounts on the Punjab government to address these allegations. The demand for a high-level probe reflects a deep-seated distrust and the community's insistence on accountability. How the state administration responds will significantly impact its standing with the Sikh populace.
