CHICAGO, IL, USA—While initial investigations are still being carried out to find the cause of the fire at Gurdwara Gurjot Parkash (Guru Nanak Sikh Mission) in Island Lake, IL, we have learned from our sources that at least one saroop of Guru Granth Sahib Ji was recovered undamaged from the site after the fire. Sikh24 is still trying to find out if other saroops were present inside the Gurdwara, or were kept at a different building.
First reports of smoke were received by the fire department about 8:30 p.m on Tuesday night. Fire crews had a hard time dealing with fire at first, when the fire was in the lower level of the Gurdwara sahib building. Investigators from the the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were also seen on the scene earlier today while investigations were going on.
The Gurdwara sahib inaugurated at the site in 1997, however the building was initially built in the 1940s. The Gurdwara sahib building is located 217 W. State Road in Island Lake, IL and is managed solely by Baba Daljit Singh (Chicago). Baba Daljit Singh has been in the news a number of times. Just 3 years ago, the Gurdwara was locked down completely for not following regulations properly. It was alleged that the Gurdwara building was a safety concern to its regular attendees. The ban was later lifted and the Gurdwara was allowed to run services again.
In addition, Baba Daljit Singh has also been in the news for his immodest code of conduct—at the Gurdwara and outside. In 2005, he was found at a motel under mysterious circumstances. Sikh Sangat of Chicago gathered there to protest his indecent acts and caused public shame to the self-proclaimed pseudo-saint.
The following press release was sent to Sikh24 earlier today by the Wauconda Fire District –
At 8:25 p.m. on November 11, 2014 the Wauconda Fire District was dispatched for a fire alarm at 217 W. State Road in Island Lake Illinois. Upon arrival firefighters witnessed moderate smoke and found a fire in the lower level of the building. The alarm was immediately upgraded to a structure fire response and progressed to a 2nd alarm fire. Entry was gained and crews attempted to extinguish the fire with multiple handlines. Attempts at extinguishment were unsuccessful from inside the building due to hidden fire in the walls and the floors above. The fire was extinguished with handlines and Aerial Master Streams from the exterior due to the unsafe conditions. A public water supply with adequate hydrants was available. The cause of the fire remains under investigation and a dollar loss is not yet available. The ATF and the Office of the State Fire Marshal are assisting with the Investigation. Initial reports indicate no one was in the building at the time of the alarm.
The Wauconda Fire District was assisted by: Lake Zurich, Cary, Nunda, Fox Lake, Crystal Lake, Fox River Grove, McHenry, Round Lake, Wonder Lake, Grayslake, Lake Villa, Barrington Countryside, Long Grove, Countryside, Woodstock, Marengo and the MESS Canteen.
