SGPC Takes Strict Action Against Mohali Gurdwara Manager Over Alleged Land Fraud
In a significant development concerning religious property management, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has taken decisive action against a gurdwara manager accused of fraudulent land dealings. The committee has suspended Rajinder Singh, the manager of Gurdwara Amb Sahib located in Mohali, and initiated legal proceedings against him for allegedly selling a substantial portion of gurdwara land through deceptive means.
Preliminary Investigation Reveals Serious Irregularities
The suspension and legal action follow a preliminary inquiry launched by the SGPC into allegations of misconduct surrounding the sale of gurdwara property. During a press conference held in Chandigarh, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami disclosed troubling details about the case. According to Dhami, Rajinder Singh sold approximately 1 bigha, 6 biswa, and 10 biswasi of land belonging to Gurdwara Amb Sahib, situated in Saini Majra (Premgarh) area of Mohali, to four different buyers without obtaining any official authorization from the committee.
Forged Documents and Unauthorized Transactions Uncovered
The preliminary investigation conducted by the SGPC uncovered that the manager allegedly created a forged letter using official letterhead to falsely claim authority for the land sale. Dhami revealed that Rajinder Singh himself admitted to this forgery in writing, providing crucial evidence in the case. Furthermore, the investigation found that the manager sold the gurdwara property to four separate buyers and received four cheques totaling Rs 1.3 crore as payment, which he then deposited into his personal bank account.
Comprehensive Probe and Corrective Measures Initiated
In response to these serious allegations, the SGPC president announced the formation of a five-member committee that will conduct a thorough and detailed investigation into the matter. The process to cancel the land registration completed by the suspended manager has already been set in motion, indicating the committee's commitment to rectifying the situation. Dhami emphasized that if any other individuals are found to be involved in this fraudulent activity, they too will face both departmental disciplinary action and legal consequences.
Clarification on Proper Gurdwara Property Management Procedures
During the press conference, Dhami took the opportunity to explain in detail the established procedures for selling or purchasing properties belonging to gurdwaras under SGPC administration. He clarified that any such transactions require multiple layers of verification and must ultimately receive approval from the SGPC executive committee. "No officer of the SGPC or the manager of any Gurdwara Sahib has the authority to sell any property related to the Guru Ghar at his own level," Dhami stated unequivocally.
The SGPC president further clarified that there was no ongoing case or official paperwork with the committee regarding the sale of the land in question, confirming that the manager acted entirely without proper authorization. This incident has highlighted the importance of strict adherence to established protocols in managing religious properties and assets belonging to Sikh religious institutions.
