Amritsar Court Orders Three-Day Police Remand in Golden Temple Incident
In a significant development, a court in Amritsar on Monday granted a three-day police remand for Subhan Rangrez, the individual accused of performing the Islamic ritual of 'wuzu' at the sacred sarovar of the Golden Temple. The Punjab Police had earlier transported Rangrez from Ghaziabad to Amritsar for legal proceedings.
Case Registered Based on SGPC Complaint
Acting on a formal complaint lodged by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the authorities registered a case of sacrilege against Rangrez. Wuzu, also known as wudhu, is a purification ritual in Islam that involves washing specific body parts with water to prepare for acts of worship, such as the five daily prayers.
Details of the Alleged Incident
According to the SGPC's account, during his visit to the Golden Temple on January 13, Rangrez positioned himself near the holy pond, rinsed his mouth with the water, and spat it back into the sarovar. He reportedly raised a finger towards the Golden Temple and moved around the temple complex while an accomplice recorded a video of his actions.
Arrest and Transfer to Amritsar
Rangrez was traced to Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh on January 24, where he was apprehended by Nihangs, who slapped him before handing him over to the police. He remained in Ghaziabad police custody until his transfer to Amritsar on Monday, marking a key step in the investigation.
Public Reaction and Online Debate
The incident has sparked a divided response across the internet, with some users strongly condemning the act and demanding strict action, while others advocate for restraint, pointing to videos where Rangrez has apologized. This controversy highlights the sensitive nature of religious sentiments in India.
