Such an incident has triggered the emotions of the community. The public expressed deep pain, noting the act as “Beadbi of Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.”
Jalandhar, Punjab: A sacrilege incident was reported at Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Darbar in Jalandhar’s Mahal Village. The six Holy Angs (pages) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji were found torn and scattered inside the premises.
After the incident came into public notice, the Sikh Community has expressed disappointment, and have triggered the police actions. This has raised security concerns of Gurdwaras, has stirred debate over Gurdwara security and religious harmony in Punjab.
Discovery of Desecration
As per the reports, the desecration took place on Tuesday evening at 6:00 pm. While talking about the incident, locals mentioned that while devotees reached the Gurdwara as they go regularly to offer the prayers, they discovered “Six Holy Angs” of Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
They claimed that the “Angs” were torn and scattered inside and outside the Gurdwara Premises.
The matter initially came into the notice of villagers and worshippers who visited the Gurdwara, immediately informing the police.
Such an incident has triggered the emotions of the community. The public expressed deep pain, noting the act as “Beadbi of Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.” Villagers have claimed this is not just an attack on their place of worship but a direct harm on their religious sentiments.
Police Investigation and Arrest
Upon receiving the information of the incident, Jalandhar Rural Police shortly launched the investigation. While probing, the officials examined CCTV cameras installed inside the Gurdwara.
However, the police stated that the cameras were not working at the time the incident occurred. Thereafter, the police checked the recording captured by the CCTV cameras installed outside the Gurdwara and Nearby areas.
The investigations led to the key findings. The officials discovered a 16 year old minor boy responsible for the reported act of Sacrilege, was taken into the legal custody.
Notably, the officials led a detailed analysis of the CCTV footage and the relevant statements from witnesses. Phillaur DSP Bharat Masih confirmed that the boy was apprehended after the police revealed the connecting dots with external CCTV footage of the time when the holy pages were found torn and scattered.
Police Statement and Legal Process
While speaking to the media about the matter, Phillaur DSP Bharat Masih has given a clear warning that “no accused would be spared.” Extending his words, he mentioned that the police officials are examining the case deeply to ensure justice.
He further added the main accused has been identified, the case has been registered for the violation of the law related to sacrilege and desecration of religious texts.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Harwinder Singh Virk as well spoke to the media, highlighting that the police immediately reacted to the incident and held the main accused. He then assured of the legal action against him so justice can be served.
He added that the action will be taken as per the law and investigations will be carried with depth to uncover all the details.
Akal Takht’s Response and Religious Authority Action
While responding to the incident, the Akal Takht Sahib took serious note of the Sacrilege. Kuldip nSingh Gargaj, an officiating Jathedar of Akal Takht on Wednesday ordered a detailed investigation on the matter.
He clearly stated that there should be no compromise when it comes to the honour of Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The SGPC (Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee) notably has sent a team for the separate investigations. The team is led by its member Ranjit Singh Kahlon.
Gargaj stressed the need to review and strengthen security arrangements at all gurdwaras. He said CCTV cameras and other security systems must remain functional at all times to prevent such incidents in the future.
He also instructed senior religious officials, including Giani Joginder Singh and Giani Tek Singh from Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib and Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, to visit the spot and prepare detailed reports on the incident as well as the existing security measures at the gurdwara.
In his statement, the Jathedar reiterated that Guru Granth Sahib is the “Jagat Jyot Guru” (the living light of the world) and said the pain caused to the Sikh community by this act of desecration was deep and beyond repair.
He further urged the Punjab Government to disclose the identities of anyone involved in planning the crime and to take strict legal action to ensure such incidents do not happen again.
SGPC’s Stance on the Matter
The SGPC has strongly condemned the incident. Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, the President of GSPC has called it a failure of Punjab Government and the police authorities to safeguards religious places.
He further mentioned that over the last few years, there has been an increase in the Sacrilege cases across the state. And, this reveals the shortcomings in security and accountability.
Moving ahead, he claimed that the incident has deeply hurt the feelings of Sikh community.
SAD demands an Independent Probe on the matter
The Chief of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) Sukhbir Singh Badal while taking the matter to his ‘X’ earlier known as twitter account wrote-
“The scourge of sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji, which started in 2015 after the advent of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab politics in 2014, is increasing by the day under the AAP dispensation.”
Raising the concerns, the SAD chief has demanded an independent probe for the incidents that occurred.
Sacrilege Cases in Punjab
Over the last ten years, there have been repeated cases of Sacrilege involving Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. This has led to strong public reactions and political controversy.
In 2015, the Bargari Sacrilege case was reported which then triggered heavy protests and legal proceedings. This clearly states how sentimental such matters to the public.
There is no doubt that the officials have assured of action against the accused. However, having noticed an increasing trend in sacrilege cases, the public and religious communities have extended an urge for the assured CCTV camera operations under the premises for the prevention of such incidents.
