New Delhi: Delhi Police will initiate legal action over a viral social media video that allegedly showed police personnel entering the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara premises wearing shoes during action against protesters demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, an official said on Saturday.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Sachin Sharma said in a post on the Delhi Police’s official X account that the personnel seen in the video were walking along a common passage leading towards the joda ghar, where devotees remove their footwear before entering the gurdwara.
Sharma alleged that the video had been deliberately circulated with malicious intent to hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community and disturb religious harmony. He said legal proceedings were being initiated in the matter.
The controversy arose after some protesters facing police action during demonstrations against Kumar entered the gurdwara premises.
Meanwhile, Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) president Harmeet Singh Kalka accused Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders of politicising the incident and bringing disrepute to the religious institution.
Kalka alleged that some protesters had entered the complex carrying placards and raising slogans as part of their demonstration. He said gurdwara staff had prevented them from entering the Diwan Hall.
Questioning the criticism directed at police personnel who entered the premises to remove the protesters, Kalka said police intervened only after the demonstrators had entered the gurdwara.
He said the gurdwara welcomed people from all communities and provided them with langar and shelter, but its premises should not be used as a venue for political demonstrations.
Kalka also called for maintaining the sanctity of the religious institution and alleged that AAP leaders were attempting to turn it into a political battleground.
