Amritsar, Dec 23: SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami on Monday criticised the Punjab government for constituting a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the alleged disappearance of 328 saroops of Guru Granth Sahib.
“Action has already been taken against the accused as per an inquiry conducted by an Akal Takht-constituted panel. The government is giving a political colour to the case, which in reality was misappropriation of funds by staffers,” Dhami said.
The SGPC head said the move amounts to interference in the internal affairs of the Sikh body and challenges the authority of the Akal Takht.
The FIR, lodged on Dec. 7 by Amritsar police following a complaint by sacked Golden Temple raagi Baldev Singh Wadala, names 16 people, mostly former SGPC officials. Charges include forgery, destruction of records, and sacrilege.
“The SIT will function under the supervision of the Commissioner of Police, Amritsar, with officers from Amritsar, Patiala, and Ludhiana. They may also co-opt additional officers if needed,” Punjab Bureau of Investigation Director LK Yadav said.
The case comes nearly five years after the missing saroops issue first surfaced. Wadala and supporters had held a dharna demanding registration of the FIR and action against those responsible.
