Amitabh Bachchan not exonerated in anti-Sikh riots: Gargaj

Akal Takht’s officiating Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj on Saturday said actor Amitabh Bachchan was still “unexonerated” in the eyes of the Sikh community for the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

Referring to the recent controversy surrounding Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh touching Bachchan’s feet during a TV show, Giani Gargaj said such gestures hurt Sikh sentiments, as Bachchan’s alleged role in the anti-Sikh riots had not been cleared so far.

“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,” said Giani Gargaj.

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