Chandigarh, September 17, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Shiromani Akali Dal (reconstituted) Secretary General Gurpartap Singh Wadala and Youth Wing President Gurjit Singh Talwandi have criticised the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and the Akali Dal leadership over rape allegations against Amarjit Singh Chawla, a senior vice-president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) and a senior SGPC member.
Addressing a press conference, the two leaders described the allegations as “highly shameful” and demanded answers from SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal and SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami regarding the handling of the woman’s complaint.
Referring to the FIR registered in the case, Wadala and Talwandi alleged that the woman had informed Sukhbir Singh Badal through his personal assistant about the alleged abuse but that no action was taken against Chawla. They further claimed that she had also approached the SGPC president and Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldeep Singh Garhgajj, but her complaint was allegedly not addressed.
The leaders alleged that Chawla’s proximity to the Akali Dal leadership had enabled him to exercise considerable influence. They claimed that the alleged failure of religious and political leadership to act had damaged the reputation of Sikh institutions.
Wadala and Talwandi further argued that had effective action been taken at Sri Akal Takht Sahib, including exemplary punishment if the allegations were established, the woman might not have been compelled to approach the police.
During the press conference, Karnail Singh Peer Mohammad and Davinder Singh Sodhi also levelled allegations against Chawla, claiming that he had previously faced accusations related to drug trafficking during an earlier Akali government. They also referred to allegations involving the alleged transmission of obscene messages to the Head Granthi of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and other office-bearers.
The leaders said such controversies pointed to the need for fundamental and comprehensive reforms within religious institutions. They urged the Sikh community to seriously examine the matter and the functioning of the institutions concerned.
They also questioned why no arrest had been made despite the FIR having allegedly been registered on July 21. The leaders argued that an arrest should have taken place within 24 hours in a rape case, while the actual legal position and investigative requirements would be determined by the competent authorities.
Questioning SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami, they sought an explanation for the alleged prolonged stay of the woman at a gurdwara guest house, as well as the reported provision of an SGPC vehicle and driver.
They demanded that Dhami clarify whether he was aware of the alleged misconduct involving a member of a religious institution at the gurdwara accommodation and why, according to them, no action was taken.
The leaders also called for the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct an impartial inquiry into who brought the woman to the gurdwara guest house and why she was allegedly kept there for an extended period.
They said all facts should be placed before the Sikh community through a transparent investigation, describing the matter as one involving alleged damage to the dignity of a highly revered religious institution. They maintained that an impartial inquiry was necessary to help restore public confidence in religious bodies.
S. Jagjit Singh Kohli, office secretary, was also present at the press conference. The statement was released to the media by Tajinder Singh Pannu, media in-charge.
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