SGPC fines additional head granthi of Akal Takht, 7 staffers for 'Bandi Chhor Diwas' negligence

Amritsar, January 12

The SGPC has imposed a monetary penalty on additional head granthi of Akal Takht and other supporting staff for negligence in performing their duties that led to chaos during ‘Bandi Chhor Diwas’ (Diwali) on November 12.

Nihang’s address from ‘faseel’

• A Nihang had gained access to Takht’s ‘faseel’
• He used the public address system to comment on appointment of Jathedars
• This irked the gathering and objections were raised over his remarks

In the backdrop, a Nihang had managed to gain access to the Akal Takht ‘faseel’ (podium) and started addressing on his own from the public address system. The most objectionable point was that Nihang commented on the appointment of Jathedars. This had irked the gathering and objections were raised over his abhorrent comments.

Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh had directed the SGPC to scrutinize the incident. As per norm, only the Akal Takht Jathedar reserves the right to address from the ‘faseel’ of Akal Takht. A senior SGPC official, preferring anonymity, said eight staffers, including the additional head granthi of Akal Takht were penalised after a report was submitted with the SGPC chief.

“A penalty of Rs 1 lakh was imposed on the additional head granthi and Rs 25,000 each, on other staff members, mostly granthis, who were on duty then. The SGPC panel held them responsible for being lenient and letting an outsider have an access to the ‘faseel’ area and the microphone. It was also recommended that the customary felicitation ceremony of Nihang Singhs and other organisation representatives should be held outside the Akal Takht to avoid such unpleasant incidents in future”, he said.