An inquiry committee established by Akal Takht Sahib has concluded that negligence on the part of the management and staff of Gurdwara Dasmesh Darbar in Virginia, Adelaide, contributed to the devastating fire that destroyed the premises and sacred religious texts. The committee found that the four saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib could have been salvaged if timely action had been taken.
Fire Devastated Gurdwara Complex
The fire, which broke out in the kitchen of Gurdwara Dasmesh Darbar at approximately 9:37 pm, rapidly spread to the langar hall, the Sukhasan room where the saroops are kept, the main darbar hall, and adjacent residential quarters. The blaze completely consumed the building, along with four saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, an estimated 70 gutka sahibs, 12 pothi sahibs, shastars, rumalas, and other religious artifacts.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the South Australia Fire Investigation authorities are still determining the exact cause of the fire, although a suspected gas leak has been identified as a likely factor. At the time the incident was first detected, two granthis and one langari (cook) were present within the building.
Probe Committee’s Findings Detail Lapses
The probe committee, formed under the directive of Akal Takht and comprising prominent Sikh individuals from Australia and New Zealand, conducted a thorough investigation. The committee examined testimonies from first responders, gurdwara staff, members of the management committee, an official from the Metropolitan Fire Service, and members of the local Sikh community. They also solicited information and concerns from the broader sangat over a three-day period.
The inquiry report highlighted that the fire need not have escalated into such a significant tragedy if efforts had been prioritised to move the saroops to a secure location. The individuals present at the time of the incident reportedly acknowledged having sufficient time to relocate the saroops but failed to do so, with some under the impression that the fire would be contained and not spread throughout the building.
According to the committee’s findings, first responder Satvir Singh Sandhu repeatedly alerted the gurdwara staff around 9:37 pm, urging them to move the sacred texts to safety. However, these appeals were reportedly not acted upon until it was too late.
Akal Takht Issues Directives for Future Gurdwaras
In an address to the Sikh community via a video message during a bhog programme at Gurdwara Baba Bidhi Chand Khalsa Chhauni in Adelaide, Akal Takht Jathedar Gargaj stated that the incident should serve as a critical lesson for gurdwaras globally. He reiterated previous directives, emphasizing that no new gurdwaras should be established anywhere in the world without the explicit approval and guidance of Akal Takht.
The Jathedar stressed the importance of gurdwaras maintaining proper infrastructure, including adequate facilities and fire safety systems that conform to prescribed standards. He specifically highlighted the need for enhanced safety arrangements in the Sukhasan room and the implementation of a 24-hour vigil for the protection of every gurdwara.
Addressing the Virginia sangat directly, the Jathedar urged them to refrain from initiating the construction of a new gurdwara or collecting donations for its reconstruction while the matter is still under consideration by Akal Takht. He expressed his intention to visit Australia in the near future to engage in discussions with the local Sikh community regarding the incident and future measures.
The inquiry committee’s report also pointed out deficiencies in the gurdwara’s compliance with health and safety regulations, fire protection measures, building maintenance practices, and administrative standards. The five Singh Sahiban are scheduled to review the report soon to determine the appropriate course of action regarding the findings and the future governance of the gurdwara.
The Chenab Times News Desk