Satkar Committee Top Leaders Arrested by Malerkotla Police

SULTANPUR LODHI, Punjab—Satkar Committee leaders Sukhjit Singh Khosa and Gurmit Singh Sodhi who were booked for allegedly beating up Pathis ‘mercilessly’ and uploading related video on social media, were arrested on Wednesday by Kapurthala Police from Malerkotla after hard work.

After being booked for the charges in Talwandi Chaudhrian Police station, both the activists were underground and the Police was not succeeding in arresting them. Finally, with the help of secret report provided by CIA staff, the police nabbed them earlier today.

Led by Talwandi Chaudhrian Police station SHO Narinder Kumar, both leaders were presented before civil judge Sultanpur Lodhi and demanded their 6-day Police remand. However, the judge allowed only for 3-day remand.

It is pertinent to mention here that for thrashing Pathis, the Police registered cases against at least 15 persons, but only 3 of them have been arrested so far. The Police is considering the arrest of Bhai Khosa very significant as latter is chief of the Committee.

On the other hand, Khosa also expressed his feelings before media persons during his production. He said that taking action against ‘Pathis’ by his committee members in view of respect of Sri Guru Granth Sahib is absolutely justifiable act. He asserted that if anyone would dare to commit disrespect of Guru Granth Sahib, the committee would do so in future also. He alleged that the cases registered against them were on directions of Punjab Akali minister Ajit Singh Kohar and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee Member (SGPC) member Shingara Singh Lohian.

It may be recalled that the ‘Pathis’ who were beaten up by Satkar Committee activists, involved in doing Akhand Path Sahib at prohibited place violating edict of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. Sikhs have made mixed reaction over the incident. One section is justifying the action taken by Satkar Committee for respect of Guru Granth Sahib, whether others have objected over the method adopted by the committee in punishing the ‘Pathis’.  Actions by Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Committee were heavily supported by Sikhs in the West.