Chandigarh: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on Friday submitted a formal complaint to Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, demanding the registration of an FIR against Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over a viral video that it alleges has hurt Sikh religious sentiments.
The SGPC has sought registration of a case under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and other applicable laws. The committee said the decision to initiate legal action was taken after resolutions were unanimously passed by both its Executive Committee and General House.
The delegation that met the DGP included SGPC junior vice-president Baldev Singh Kalyan, general secretary Sher Singh Mand, chief secretary Kulwant Singh Mannan, interim committee members Mangwinder Singh Khaparkheri, Surjit Singh Tugalwal, Surjit Singh Kang, Baldev Singh Camppuri, Surjit Singh Garhi, Major Singh and Daljit Singh Bhindar.
The delegation handed over a written complaint and urged the Punjab Police to initiate legal proceedings against the Chief Minister.
According to the SGPC, the viral video allegedly depicts objectionable acts, including liquor being sprinkled on photographs of the ten Sikh Gurus and urinating on a photograph of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. The committee claimed the video has deeply hurt the religious sentiments of the Sikh community and warrants criminal action.
SGPC leaders also referred to an inquiry reportedly conducted under the directions of the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, claiming that the investigation found the viral video to be authentic. They said this formed the basis for the SGPC General House resolution passed on June 27, authorising the Executive Committee to pursue legal action against the Chief Minister.
The delegation further alleged that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and certain officials had prepared a “false and fabricated” report in the matter to suppress the facts. They claimed the report was contrary to the actual findings and called for an impartial investigation along with the registration of an FIR.
