Former Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh has refuted claims circulating on social media that he appeared before a Special Investigation Team (SIT) for questioning in connection with the 2015 Behbal Kalan police firing case. He stated that members of the SIT visited his residence on December 2, 2024, by prior appointment, to record his statement regarding proceedings that took place at the Akal Takht Sahib.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that Giani Raghbir Singh clarified the distinction between being summoned by an investigative agency and investigators seeking information at an individual’s home. He explained that the SIT’s inquiry focused solely on the questions posed to Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal and other party leaders during the Akal Takht proceedings, and their subsequent responses.
The former jathedar emphasized that his questioning by the SIT did not involve any inquiries into the matter of 328 missing saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib or any other unrelated issues. He further noted that Sukhbir Singh Badal had acknowledged responsibility during the Akal Takht proceedings and had provided positive responses to the questions directed at him.
Giani Raghbir Singh asserted that the information he shared with the SIT was not confidential, highlighting that the entire proceedings at Akal Takht Sahib were broadcast live and extensively covered by television channels, newspapers, and digital media platforms. He added that these proceedings are part of the official records of Akal Takht Sahib and were observed by Sikhs globally.
Addressing criticism from former Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh, Giani Raghbir Singh expressed surprise at the objections raised concerning his cooperation with the SIT. He pointed out that Giani Harpreet Singh himself had previously recorded his statement before the SIT regarding the case involving the 328 missing saroops.
Giani Raghbir Singh stated that individuals who have held religious positions should adhere to religious principles in their public pronouncements and maintain a balance between religious and political spheres. The issue has reportedly triggered a political controversy, with Sukhbir Singh Badal having criticized the former jathedar’s actions.
The Behbal Kalan police firing incident, which occurred in October 2015, involved the deaths of two individuals during a protest against alleged sacrilege of the Guru Granth Sahib. The incident led to a prolonged investigation and public outcry, with various committees and investigative teams tasked with establishing accountability.
The Special Investigation Team, formed to probe the circumstances surrounding the firing, has been gathering evidence and statements from witnesses and key figures involved in the events leading up to and following the incident. The SIT’s mandate includes looking into allegations of police brutality and the chain of command responsible for the actions taken during the protest.
Religious and political figures in Punjab have been central to the ongoing developments related to the Behbal Kalan case. The statements and actions of prominent religious leaders, such as the jathedars of Akal Takht and Takht Damdama Sahib, often carry significant weight and influence public discourse surrounding such sensitive matters.
The Akal Takht Sahib, considered the highest temporal seat of Sikhism, often plays a role in addressing community matters and sometimes interacts with religious and political leaders on issues of importance. The proceedings held at the Akal Takht Sahib, as mentioned by Giani Raghbir Singh, are seen as significant events within the Sikh community.
The exchange between the former jathedars highlights the complex interplay between religious authority, political involvement, and legal investigations in Punjab. The statements made in the public domain by such prominent figures can often have far-reaching implications, influencing public perception and the course of investigations.
Sikh religious traditions emphasize the importance of truth, justice, and accountability. When allegations of misconduct or injustice arise, the institutions and individuals associated with the faith are often called upon to uphold these principles. The involvement of former jathedars in investigations underscores the gravity with which such cases are treated within the community.
The controversy surrounding Giani Raghbir Singh’s interaction with the SIT adds another layer to the ongoing narrative of the Behbal Kalan case. The clarification issued by the former jathedar aims to correct what he perceives as misinformation and to accurately portray the nature of his engagement with the investigating authorities.
❤️ Support Independent Journalism
Your contribution keeps our reporting free, fearless, and accessible to everyone.
Or make a one-time donation
Secure via Razorpay • 12 monthly payments • Cancel anytime before next cycle
(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)
The Chenab Times News Desk
