Chandigarh, September 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab MLA Manwinder Singh Giaspura on Thursday accused the previous BJP-Akali government of failing to protect the sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji during the 2015 incidents of theft and beadbi, and demanded accountability for the subsequent police firing on peaceful protesters at Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan.
Addressing a press conference, Giaspura said the incidents of 2015 remained a “deep wound” in the hearts of Punjabis and alleged that the Shiromani Akali Dal led by Sukhbir Singh Badal had used Guru Sahib and the Panth for political interests while in power.
He also alleged that the renewed efforts for an alliance between the BJP and Akali Dal were aimed at securing political protection in the beadbi and firing cases and advancing efforts to bring back the three farm laws in Punjab.
Giaspura said Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji was stolen on June 1, 2015, during the BJP-Akali government, but alleged that the administration failed to take timely action.
“Sukhbir Singh Badal, who was then the Home Minister, has told the SIT during questioning that he was not aware of the theft. However, the Intelligence Wing had sent a report and Sukhbir Singh Badal’s personal secretary also told the SIT that information about the incident was available. How could the Home Minister remain unaware when his own office had received information?” he said.
The AAP MLA said the failure to act after the theft was followed by posters being put up in September 2015 challenging Sikhs to find the stolen Guru. He alleged that the lack of timely action emboldened those responsible for the subsequent beadbi, when Angs of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji were found scattered on the streets in October.
Referring to the Kotkapura firing, Giaspura said the sangat had gathered peacefully, with ardas and kirtan taking place, when water cannons were used against protesters. He said he was also present at the protest.
He said the SIT had already filed a chargesheet in the Kotkapura firing case, in which Sukhbir Badal, Charanjit Sharma, Paramraj Singh Umranangal and Sumedh Singh Saini are facing proceedings and are currently on bail.
“The key question before the SIT is who ordered the firing and who gave the directions to disperse the peaceful protesters,” Giaspura said.
He said the events at Behbal Kalan on October 14 were even more painful, alleging that two young men, Krishan Bhagwan Singh and Gurjit Singh, were killed in police firing while the sangat was holding a peaceful protest.
Giaspura questioned Sukhbir Badal’s repeated claim that he was not in Punjab at the time. He said court documents related to Badal’s bail indicated that he was present in Punjab and staying at a five-star hotel, from where, he alleged, directions were being given to senior police officers.
The AAP MLA said the SIT should establish who ordered the firing and who directed the police action. Referring to a statement by Giani Raghbir Singh before the SIT, he said an acknowledgement allegedly made by Sukhbir Badal before Sri Akal Takht Sahib was part of the record and questioned why such material and other evidence should not be placed before the court and the SIT.
Giaspura also criticised the proposed renewed BJP-Akali understanding, alleging that Sukhbir Badal was seeking political protection and was willing to compromise Punjab’s interests for political gain.
He further linked the proposed alliance to efforts to revive the three farm laws, alleging that more than 750 farmers died during the farmers’ movement against the laws.
On the issue of sacrilege, Giaspura said the Bhagwant Mann government had introduced stringent legislation providing for life imprisonment and no bail for those found guilty of beadbi. He said the government was committed to ensuring strict punishment and justice for those responsible.
“The wheel of justice may move slowly, but it grinds exceedingly fine,” Giaspura said, asserting that the people of Punjab would not forget the 2015 beadbi and firing incidents or those responsible for them.
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