Chandigarh/Amritsar, Jan 4 — The investigation into the disappearance of 328 sacred saroops intensified after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) conducted coordinated searches at 14 locations across Punjab and Chandigarh and arrested former SGPC employee Kanwaljit Singh.
An SIT spokesperson said the searches led to the seizure of seven mobile phones, three tablets, two laptops, one storage device and several financial records and documents. “The seized material is being examined as part of the ongoing probe,” the spokesperson said.
Kanwaljit Singh has been accused of playing a direct role in irregularities related to the handling and maintenance of religious scriptures, including their unauthorised preparation and storage. “His role is being investigated in connection with serious lapses in the management of sacred saroops,” the spokesperson said.
Searches were conducted at eight locations in Amritsar city, two in Chandigarh, and one location each in Gurdaspur, Ropar, Tarn Taran and Amritsar (Rural), officials said.
Investigators said electronic devices recovered during the raids would undergo forensic analysis, while financial documents are being examined for transaction trails. “We are closely analysing payments made by companies linked to several individuals, including politicians,” the spokesperson said.
The case pertains to an FIR registered at Police Station C-Division under the Amritsar Commissionerate, in which 16 persons have been named. Two of the accused have died, while investigations are continuing against the remaining individuals, officials said.
Former SGPC auditor Satinder Singh Kohli was arrested earlier. Kanwaljit Singh is the latest arrest in the case.
