Takht to probe allegations against Patna Sahib priest

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, February 28

Akal Takht’s acting Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh has constituted a seven-member committee to probe allegations levelled against Takht Patna Sahib Jathedar Giani Iqbal Singh.

While the committee has been asked to submit the report within three days, Giani Iqbal Singh has been told to stay away from participating in any panthic activity.

Giani Harpreet Singh said several complaints pertaining to his behavior and marital status had been received from various Sikh organisations. “The committee will submit the report on the basis of which the five high priests will take a final call,” he said.

The committee comprised of Damdami Taksal head Harnam Singh Khalsa, Khadoor Sahib Baba Sewa Singh, SGPC members Bhagwant Singh Sialka and Bhai Rajinder Singh Mehta, CKD president Nirmal Singh, Sikh intellectuals Inderjit Singh Gagoani and Inderjit Singh Ropar. SGPC’s additional secretary Sukhdev Singh Bhurakona would coordinate the panel.

Meanwhile, Giani Iqbal Singh’s son Gurparsad Singh, whose video clip showing him smoking and consuming alcohol had gone viral, has been dismissed from service. He was working as accountant at Takht Patna Sahib.

Takht Patna Sahib Management Board head Avtar Singh Hit, who also submitted a complaint against Giani Iqbal Singh at the Takht, today demanded action as per the Sikh tenets. He said resentment prevailed among the devotees against Giani Iqbal Singh for his misconduct.

Under the scanner

• Takht Patna Sahib Jathedar Giani Iqbal Singh is facing charges of polygamy. 
• Over three weeks ago, his ‘second’ wife had levelled allegations of harassment and domestic violence against him. 
• She claimed that he had married her in 2003 by falsely stating that his first wife had died.