In a significant development, the Chandigarh Police have apprehended a former auditor of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) in connection with the mysterious disappearance of several sacred saroops (volumes) of the Guru Granth Sahib. The arrest marks a crucial turn in an investigation that has gripped the Sikh religious community.
Arrest Made in High-Profile Religious Case
Daljit Singh, who previously served as an auditor for the SGPC, was taken into custody from Chandigarh. The arrest was executed by a team from the Chandigarh Police's Crime Branch, acting on specific intelligence and evidence gathered over the course of the probe. The case revolves around the alleged misappropriation and disappearance of multiple saroops of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism, which were under the custodianship of the SGPC.
The investigation was initiated following a formal complaint lodged by the SGPC authorities themselves. The committee reported that several saroops were unaccounted for, raising serious concerns about their handling and potential illegal diversion. The role of the former auditor came under scrutiny as police delved into the records and financial transactions related to the management and distribution of the religious texts.
Deepening Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Following his arrest, Daljit Singh was presented before a local court in Chandigarh. The court has remanded him to police custody for two days, allowing investigators to conduct intensive questioning. During this custody period, the police aim to uncover the complete chain of events, identify any potential accomplices, and trace the current whereabouts of the missing saroops.
The police are exploring multiple angles, including the possibility of financial motives or unauthorized transfers of the saroops to individuals or institutions outside the official SGPC protocol. The sanctity of the Guru Granth Sahib is paramount in Sikhism, making the alleged disappearance not just a legal matter but a profound issue of religious faith and trust for millions of devotees.
Community Reaction and SGPC's Stance
The arrest has sent shockwaves through the Sikh community, particularly in Punjab and among followers closely associated with the SGPC, the apex religious body that manages historic gurdwaras. The SGPC has reiterated its commitment to full cooperation with the law enforcement agencies to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation. The body has emphasized its zero-tolerance policy towards any mismanagement or impropriety concerning sacred religious items.
Community leaders have called for the strictest possible action against anyone found guilty of disrespecting or illegally trafficking the saroops. The case has also sparked a broader conversation about the need for enhanced security, auditing, and digital tracking mechanisms for all saroops printed and distributed by the SGPC to prevent such incidents in the future.
As the police continue their interrogation, the focus remains on recovering the missing saroops and delivering justice. The outcome of this case is being closely watched, as it touches upon both legal accountability and deep-seated religious sentiments.
