Amritsar, June 12
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj on Friday called for a comprehensive investigation into the alleged sacrilege attempt at Gurdwara Shaheed Baba Gurbaksh Singh Ji inside the Golden Temple complex and sought strict punishment for those responsible. The accused, who allegedly picked up a Sri Sahib placed before the Guru Granth Sahib during an Akhand Path ceremony, is currently in police custody.
Addressing the incident that occurred on Wednesday night, Gargajj said the act closely resembled a sacrilege attempt reported at the Golden Temple in December 2021. He said the accused entered the sanctum, performed parkarma around the Guru Granth Sahib, and suddenly picked up the sacred sword kept before it.
According to the Jathedar, the alert sewadars present at the gurdwara acted swiftly and overpowered the individual before any further action could be taken. He praised their prompt response, saying their vigilance prevented the situation from escalating.
Gargajj expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the incident and questioned why the identity of the accused remains unknown. He pointed out that no identification documents were recovered from the individual and said this raises the possibility of a larger conspiracy aimed at hurting Sikh religious sentiments.
He further stated that if authorities fail to uncover the motive and the forces behind the incident, despite having the accused in custody, serious questions would arise regarding the effectiveness of the investigation and the administration’s functioning.
Recalling the December 2021 incident, the Akal Takht Jathedar described it as a major failure of the Punjab government and noted that the person involved in that case has still not been properly identified.
He also alleged that while governments often intervene in Sikh religious matters, they have repeatedly failed to expose the individuals or groups responsible for sacrilegious acts.
Calling for greater vigilance, Gargajj urged gurdwara managements and members of the Sikh community to strengthen security arrangements and remain alert to any suspicious activities. He stressed that protecting religious institutions and preserving their sanctity must remain a collective responsibility.
The incident remains under investigation, with police continuing efforts to identify the accused and determine whether any larger conspiracy was involved.
