Dera row: Parallel Jathedars hold 39 Sikh leaders guilty

GS Paul

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, March 30

The parallel “Jathedars” have held 39 Sikh political leaders guilty of violating the Akal Takht edict by seeking support from Dera Sacha Sauda for political gains.

As the “accountable” Sikh leaders didn’t turn up at Akal Takht, the “Jathedars” pronounced them “tankhaiah”. The quantum of religious punishment would be decided on April 20 for which the “Jathedars” have sought suggestions from Sikh organisations and activists.

Dhian Singh Mand said the names of 27 leaders of the SAD, 11 of Congress and one of AAP had emerged during the investigation conducted by the three-member panel.

Those found guilty included former CM Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, former ministers Parminder Singh Dhindsa and Surjit Singh Rakhra, and Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Jeet Mohinder Singh Sidhu, Varinder Kaur, Gulzar Singh, Hardeep Singh Dhillon, Didar Singh Bhatti, Darbara Singh Guru, Harpreet Singh Kot Bhai, Kushaldeep Singh Dhillon, Sadhu Singh Dharmsot, Darshan Singh Brar and Daman Kaur Bajwa.

Jarnail Singh Sakhira said the name of Sikander Singh Maluka was not included as he was already “excommunicated” from the Sikh Panth.