SGPC Chief Releases Anandpur Sahib Probe Report, Demands CBI Inquiry
SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami releases preliminary probe report on the Anandpur Sahib row, alleging social media trials and document tampering.
In a major development regarding the Anandpur Sahib controversy, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami has made the preliminary findings of an internal inquiry sub-committee public. During a press conference on Tuesday, Dhami lashed out at what he described as a coordinated "social media trial" designed to defame the apex Sikh institution and demanded a high-level investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Findings of the Four-Member Committee
To address the growing row, the SGPC had constituted a specialized four-member inquiry sub-committee. The panel, which included Sardar Baldev Singh Kalyanpur, Sardar Gurmeet Singh Booth, Bibi Gurinder Kaur Bholuwala, and Sardar Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa, was coordinated by Secretary Balwinder Singh Kahlwan. The committee completed its preliminary investigation within the stipulated 15-day window.
Advocate Dhami expressed deep concern over the daily leakage of unverified and "half-baked" information to the media. He argued that while criminal matters should follow the legal protocols of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), an orchestrated campaign is being used to fabricate narratives of wrongdoing against the committee.
Evidence of Document Tampering Revealed
One of the most startling revelations from the report involves the physical manipulation of official records. While presenting original sarai (inn) registers to the media, Dhami pointed out clear evidence of tampering intended to create a false narrative.
- Fabricated Entries: The committee found that after Entry No. 246, several existing entries had been struck out and numerical figures altered.
- Manipulated Links: Entries ranging from No. 247 to 281 were reportedly manipulated to create a false connection.
- Handwriting Discrepancies: A preliminary review of the handwriting suggests that these specific entries were forcibly inserted at a later stage to mislead investigators.
Dhami used these documents to debunk claims that a woman involved in the controversy had resided continuously at a single sarai for six months. He provided documentary evidence, including booking entries, payment receipts, and room rent logs, showing the individual stayed at various locations including Room No. 38 at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Gurdwara Amb Sahib, and Guru Arjan Dev Niwas in Amritsar on different dates.
Demand for CBI Probe and Dismissal of Financial Allegations
Reiterating his stance that only an independent CBI investigation can uncover the "untainted truth" in high-profile matters, Dhami cited historical precedents in Punjab to justify the need for central agency involvement. He alleged that there is a calculated conspiracy aimed at weakening established Sikh institutions.
The SGPC President also categorically denied allegations regarding the misuse of funds. He addressed rumors concerning illicit foreign remittances and the misappropriation of charitable money, stating:
Every single rupee of the SGPC’s Dharma Prachar and charitable funds is audited, documented, and spent with complete transparency.
Dhami concluded by affirming that the SGPC is cooperating fully with legal processes and is prepared to take all necessary legal steps to present the facts to the Sangat.