Akal Takht Sahib Holds Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Guilty of Religious Misconduct in Gurudwara Firing Incident

In a significant development, Sri Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh has pronounced Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann guilty of religious misconduct in connection with the firing incident that occurred between Punjab Police and a group of Nihangs at Gurudwara Akal Bunga in Kapurthala in November last year.

Incident Overview:
The clash between Punjab Police and Nihangs at Gurudwara Akal Bunga on November 24, 2023, resulted in the death of a Punjab Police home guard and injuries to several others. The incident took place during an attempt by the police to resolve a dispute between two groups of Nihangs.

Akal Takht Sahib’s Verdict:
Sri Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, in a statement issued by the Shri Akal Takht Sahib Secretariat, held Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann responsible for religious misconduct. The verdict is based on the report of a sub-committee of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), which investigated the alleged breach of decorum by the police at Gurudwara Akal Bunga.

Details of Verdict:
The Jathedar’s statement highlighted the findings of the sub-committee, stating that the police conducted a large-scale attack on the gurdwara without provocation. The acts, including firing, entering the gurdwara with shoes, and disrupting the Sri Akhand Path Sahib, were deemed disrespectful and hurtful to Sikh sentiments.

Direct Accusation Against CM Bhagwant Mann:
According to the report, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, in his capacity as the head of the Ministry of Home Affairs, has been directly accused of religious misconduct for breach of decorum and indiscriminate firing. The Jathedar emphasized Mann’s responsibility for the actions of the police during the incident.

Government’s Response:
Bhagwant Mann, in response to the allegations, has not issued an official statement at the time of this report. The incident had prompted the Chief Minister to announce compensation of Rs 2 crore to the family of the deceased home guard, Jaspal Singh.

Conclusion:
The verdict from Sri Akal Takht Sahib adds a new layer of complexity to the aftermath of the Gurudwara Akal Bunga incident. As the political and religious implications unfold, it remains to be seen how Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the Punjab government will respond to the accusations of religious misconduct. The incident’s broader impact on the political landscape in Punjab is a matter of keen observation.