Former Akal Takht Jathedar Condemns Gurdwara Land Transaction as Major Scam
In a strongly worded statement, former Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and chief of the Panthic Akali Lehar, Jathedar Ranjit Singh, has declared that no individual or committee possesses the authority to sell historic Gurdwara property. His remarks come in response to the controversial sale of 44 marlas of land belonging to Gurdwara Sri Amb Sahib in Phase 8, Mohali, which he has termed a "major scam" demanding immediate rectification.
Allegations of Irregularities and Undervaluation
Jathedar Ranjit Singh emphasized that according to revenue mutation records, the land in question is unequivocally owned by the Gurdwara. He clarified that Sahib Singh was appointed merely as a caretaker or sevadar, entrusted with safeguarding the property rather than disposing of it. "He has no right whatsoever to sell Gurdwara property under any circumstances," the religious leader asserted firmly.
The former Jathedar alleged that the Gurdwara manager, after obtaining internal approval from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), executed the sale clandestinely. This transaction, he claims, has resulted in a financial scam involving crores of rupees. Co-sharers (khewatdars) have reportedly alleged that land valued between Rs 15–20 crore was sold for a mere Rs 1.32 crore, raising serious questions about the transaction's legitimacy.
Lack of Transparency and Due Process
According to Jathedar Ranjit Singh, the entire sale process was conducted without following established protocols. He pointed out several critical omissions:
- No public notice was issued regarding the proposed sale
- The transaction lacked transparent procedures
- The deal was executed behind closed doors without proper oversight
The religious leader further claimed that after the registry was executed on December 2, concerted efforts were made to suppress the matter, with the transaction remaining undisclosed for nearly two months before coming to light.
History of Similar Attempts and Current Ultimatum
Recalling past incidents, Jathedar Ranjit Singh noted that this is not the first attempt to sell Gurdwara property at throwaway prices. "In November 2023, we had launched an agitation here and succeeded in getting the sale process stalled. Unfortunately, the sale has now been carried out again," he lamented.
Demanding immediate cancellation of the registry and strict action against all those involved, the former Jathedar has issued a 15-day ultimatum to authorities. "If no action is taken within the next 15 days, we will, along with the Sangat, stage a permanent sit-in at the Diwan Hall of Gurdwara Sri Manji Sahib and ensure that this illegal action is reversed at all costs," he warned, signaling potential escalation of the protest.
SGPC Response and Investigation
While attempts to contact the Gurdwara manager for comments proved unsuccessful, SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami has responded to the allegations. Dhami confirmed that a three-member committee has already been deputed to Gurdwara Amb Sahib to conduct a thorough inquiry into the matter.
"The committee will examine the entire matter in depth and submit its report. Strict action will be taken against whoever is found responsible," Dhami assured, indicating the SGPC's commitment to addressing the controversy through proper institutional channels.
The situation remains tense as stakeholders await the outcome of the investigation and potential response to Jathedar Ranjit Singh's ultimatum, with the possibility of significant religious and community mobilization if their demands are not met within the stipulated timeframe.
