Sikh activists to file case over missing ‘saroops’ of Guru Granth Sahib

Tribune News Service
Amritsar, October 16

The SAD (Amritsar) today decided to register criminal proceedings against those found guilty of misappropriation of Guru Granth Sahib ‘saroops’.

On the other hand, some SGPC members said the apex body had abdicated its responsibility. On October 5, 18 SGPC members had jointly served a 15-day ultimatum to SGPC president Gobind Singh Longowal to initiate criminal action against those held accountable for the misappropriation of 328 ‘saroops’, otherwise they would lodge a police complaint.

As many as 16 SGPC officials and staff members were indicted by an investigation panel appointed by the Akal Takht.

SAD (Amritsar) activist Tarsem Singh Jawarke said the SGPC had taken a U-turn on filing FIRs to save some officials. “Now, we will file a criminal case with the police. The SGPC had withdrawn its decision of registering FIRs with an excuse that the police should not interfere in a religious matter. Why, then, the sacrilege incidents are reported to the police? Why do SGPC president and other officials keep police protection around them? Actually, it was all done to save their blue-eyed officials,” he said.