Chandigarh, September 19, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Shiromani Akali Dal “Waris Punjab De” senior leader and Dakha MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali has described the alleged rape incident at the sarais of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib in Sri Anandpur Sahib as a deeply unfortunate and shameful episode for the Sikh community and demanded that the SGPC president and Shiromani Akali Dal president resign on moral grounds.
In a statement issued to the media, Ayali said the incident had caused immense pain and embarrassment to the Sikh community, particularly because it allegedly took place at the sacred site of Sri Anandpur Sahib, associated with Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib and Guru Gobind Singh and the establishment of the Khalsa.
Ayali alleged that SGPC member Amarjit Singh Chawla was responsible for the incident and claimed that the SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami and the Akali Dal president also failed to act despite being informed about the matter.
Referring to the FIR, Ayali claimed that the woman had brought the matter to the attention of the SGPC president and the Akali Dal president, but no action was taken. He demanded that both leaders step down on moral grounds, holding them accountable for their alleged inaction.
Ayali also criticised what he described as the silence of Giani Kuldeep Singh Garjagg, Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. He said the Jathedar should clarify whether he was aware of the matter and questioned who would be accountable to the Sikh Sangat if the community’s religious leadership remained silent.
Ayali further alleged that despite the FIR having been registered about a month ago, no action had been taken against SGPC member Amarjit Singh Chawla. He held the Punjab government responsible for what he described as the delay and alleged that the accused was able to leave the country because of the government’s failure to act.
The SAD leader also blamed the Central government over the issue, alleging that SGPC elections had not been held for around 15 years. He claimed that the continued tenure of SGPC members had weakened accountability towards the Sikh Sangat and the Panth.
Ayali demanded an impartial investigation into every aspect of the case. He sought an inquiry into the circumstances under which the woman was allegedly provided VIP facilities by the SGPC, including attendants, a driver and vehicles, and questioned from which SGPC fund money was allegedly provided to her.
He also called for an investigation into the alleged purpose for which the woman was being used and whether there was an attempt to target or defame any individual.
Ayali said all these issues should be examined through a fair and impartial investigation.
The allegations and claims made by Ayali form part of his political statement and the police case; they have not been independently established by a court.
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