Missing Saroops: Sikh bodies file plaint, protest on

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, September 16

Protesting Sikh bodies today filed a police complaint demanding criminal proceedings against the SGPC officials who were held accountable for misappropriation of 328 “saroops” of Guru Granth Sahib.

The sit-in site was shifted a few yards away from the SGPC headquarters main entrance gate. The protest will continue till September 18 when the SGPC has called up its executive body meeting.

Accompanied by lawyer Simranjit Singh, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Committee members led by Balbir Singh Muchchal visited the Police Commissioner’s office to file a criminal complaint against 16 SGPC officials who were pointed out by Akal Takht-constituted probe panel.

Muchchal said, “We had asked the SGPC to review its earlier decision of taking criminal action against the culprits in its next executive body meeting and file a complaint with the police. In the meantime, we got the complaint registered with the police,” he said.

He said the SGPC had been asked to make available the record and data related to “saroops”. As the “morcha” continued for the third day, the Sikh activists objected to barricading as it hindered the movement of devotees. Three sides leading to the Golden Temple — Guru Ram Dass Langar Hall, Gurdwara Baba Atal Rai Sahib and Jodha Ghar — were blocked.

Activist Sukhjit Singh Khosa said a nine-point demand charter was discussed with the SGPC representatives. “They admit that our demands are justified, but they are hesitant to implement these. Our protest will continue till the FIR is registered against the guilty.”