Akal Takht summons Bhattal, Manpreet’s son

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, October 5

Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh today condemned former CM Rajinder Kaur Bhattal and Arjun Singh Badal (son of Finance Minister Manpreet Badal) for not appearing before Takht to submit their apology for visiting the Sirsa dera ahead of the Assembly elections early this year.

The Jathedar said: “Both Bhattal and Arjun are directed to appear before Akal Takht as early as possible otherwise they will face stern action.”

Akal Takht had, on April 17, awarded ‘tankhah’ (religious punishment) to 39 political leaders after finding them guilty of violating its May 2007 edict to boycott dera head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh over his alleged impersonation of Guru Gobind Singh. Akali leader Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Bhattal and Arjun had failed to turn up. Sekhon, however, appeared on May 6 and abided by the norms of “tankhah”.

Meanwhile, the Jathedar also summoned the president of Gurdwara Chhota Ghallughara in Qadian, Master Johar Singh, on October 13 to clarify his stance over the controversy that was triggered after the alleged involvement of a top gurdwara management official in a sex scandal.