AMRITSAR SAHIB, Punjab—Following the beadbi incident at Gurdwara Ramsar Sahib on May 19, in which five holy scripture of Guru Granth Sahib were damaged, a case has been registered against the SGPC. Namely, Bhai Amrik Singh Ajnala (Jathedar, Sri Keshgarh Sahib), Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Committee and Sikh Youth Federation Bhindranwala have registered a formal complaint at the Police Station (C-Division) against SGPC President Avtar Makkar and officials of Gurdwara Ramsar Sahib printing press.
While speaking with Sikh24 earlier today, May 20, Bhai Balbir Singh Mucchal of Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Committee said, “Akal Takht Sahib had earlier directed the SGPC to take strict action against the granthis and committees of Gurdwaras where saroops are damaged due to negligence. However in this case, SGPC itself is responsible for negligence and sacrilege.” Bhai Mucchal asked if the Akal Takht Sahib would take steps to reprimand the SGPC President other officials following this incident.
Bhai Amrik Singh Ajnala said, “We have no hopes from the SGPC as they have failed to upkeep reverence of Guru Granth Sahib Ji. We hold SGPC President and printing officials fully responsible for their negligence hence we have registered a formal complaint against them.”
The incident on May 19 took place at the SGPC’s publishing centre within Gurdwara Ramsar Sahib due to a short circuit in air conditioner at the third floor of the building. The incident came into light at 6:45 AM in the morning of May 19 when nearby residents noticed smoke emerging from third floor of Gurdwara Ramsar Sahib.
SGPC President Avtar Makkar has received a lot of flak following the incident. Makkar has announced to form a committee to probe the matter and has referred the case to senior SGPC officials for further deliberation. “We are looking into the case sincerely and deeply regret damage to the printed saroops. A committee has been formed to look into the case so such short circuits can be avoided,” Makkar told SGPC.
SGPC has been at the center of sharp criticism by Panthik organizations due to increasing cases of sacrileges and negligence in taking care of Guru Granth Sahib Ji’s saroops.
