SGPC condemns ‘arrest’ from Golden Temple

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on Saturday objected to the “arrest” of two persons from the circumambulatory path (parikrama) of the Golden Temple a day ago, terming it an “intrusion” into the management of shrine.

Apex gurdwara panel secretary Pratap Singh said detaining or arresting anyone from the shrine premises without informing the SGPC was inappropriate and had “hurt the religious sentiments of the Sikhs”.

He asserted that the Golden Temple was a place of deep reverence and faith, where the police could be allowed to act unilaterally.

“No prior intimation regarding the police action was given either to the SGPC or to the management of shrine. If there was a need to take any individual into custody in connection with an offence, the police should have coordinated with the SGPC,” he added.

Pratap Singh said an administrative inquiry was being conducted into the incident and a report would be submitted to the SGPC executive committee.

On Friday, the Tarn Taran police took two youths into custody from the Golden Temple. The action, allegedly carried out without prior information, was opposed by the SGPC, which described it as a violation of the religious code of conduct.

During the incident, SGPC task force members and employees detained two of the policemen and confined them to a room.

The situation was diffused after senior police officers intervened, following which the detained police personnel were released.

Five more appear befire SIT in saroops case

The special investigation team (SIT) probing into the “missing” saroops case on Saturday recorded the statements of five more persons, including former SGPC general secretary Sukhdev Singh Bhaur.

All five appeared at the office of the Police Commissioner, where their statements were recorded by members of the SIT.

Yesterday, the SIT had recorded statements of six other SGPC employees in connection with the case.

Meanwhile, former SGPC auditor Satinder Singh Kohli was not granted any relief by the court on Friday. Kohli had moved a bail application before the local court, which was dismissed. He is presently lodged in judicial custody.