Chandigarh, September 22, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Shiromani Akali Dal Punar-surjit president Giani Harpreet Singh has questioned the SGPC’s handling of an alleged sexual exploitation case in Sri Anandpur Sahib, raising concerns over the composition of the inquiry committee and the administration of the VIP Sarai at Takht Kesgarh Sahib.
Reacting to SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami’s statement on the matter, Giani Harpreet Singh sarcastically questioned the decision to entrust the inquiry to a committee constituted by the same administration facing questions from the Sangat.
He said the Gurdwara administration, the members facing allegations, the accommodation provided to the woman and the inquiry were all being treated as matters within the same institutional framework. He also criticised the reported appeal for the Sangat to remain silent for 15 days, asking what he described as an “authoritarian” approach meant for accountability.
Giani Harpreet Singh said reports had emerged that the woman, who allegedly stayed for around six months in a room at the VIP Sarai, was provided a vehicle, driver and sewadars. He pointed out that Dhami had reportedly stated that he was unaware of these arrangements and asked who within the Gurdwara administration had the authority to approve and provide such facilities.
He maintained that the Manager of Takht Kesgarh Sahib could not have taken such a decision independently.
Giani Harpreet Singh also referred to claims allegedly made by responsible leaders of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal), who reportedly said they possessed evidence concerning the woman’s conduct. He questioned why, if her accommodation and the facilities provided to her had been arranged without the SGPC president’s knowledge, Dhami should continue in office.
He further referred to the woman’s reported statement before a magistrate, in which she allegedly said that she had approached Dhami through his personal assistant.
Giani Harpreet Singh also questioned why a woman leader of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) had recently brought the woman before the media and recorded a video statement in which she reportedly said that the SAD president and SGPC president had helped her.
Questioning Dhami’s reported claim that he had met the woman only once or twice, Giani Harpreet Singh asked why he had not sought details from her about who authorised her to leave her home, stay at the VIP Sarai and receive the facilities.
“Dhami Sahib will have to answer the Sangat on these questions and explain what is being concealed behind this entire episode,” he said.
Giani Harpreet Singh added that the Gurdwara Reform Movement had been launched by their ancestors in response to incidents involving alleged misconduct in Gurdwara administration.
The statement was issued to the press by Media In-charge Tajinder Singh Pannu.
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