Amitabh Bachchan still ‘unexonerated’ in 1984 anti-Sikh riots, says Akal Takht officiating Jathedar

Akal Takht’s officiating Jathedar, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj, on Saturday stated that Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan remains “unexonerated” in the eyes of the Sikh community regarding the 1984 Sikh genocide, as the allegations made against him had never been properly investigated.

Referring to the recent controversy surrounding Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh touching Bachchan’s feet during a TV show, Jathedar Gargaj remarked that such gestures hurt Sikh sentiments.

“Though Amitabh Bachchan had once sent a letter to Akal Takht claiming innocence, the statement of only eyewitness Manjit Singh Saini — who had levelled serious accusations against the actor — has never been investigated by any government agency. Therefore, in the eyes of the Sikh conscience, Amitabh Bachchan still stands unexonerated,” Jathedar Gargaj said.

The Jathedar urged the Sikh community, particularly public figures, to socially and morally boycott all individuals, including political leaders, whose names have been linked to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.  “Associating with them is like rubbing salt in the wounds of the Sikh community,” he pointed out.

While paying homage to the victims of the November 1984 massacre, Jathedar Gargaj lamented that justice continues to elude the victims even after four decades. He said that most of those responsible for the killings were never arrested and several senior Congress leaders remained free.

Reiterating that Sikhs can neither forget nor forgive the 1984 tragedy, the Jathedar said that the community, despite enduring repeated ghallugharas (holocausts), continues to live in Chardi Kala (high spirits) and spread Guru Nanak’s message of peace, service, and resilience worldwide.