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Fazilka SSP tenders apology at Akal Takht over police entry into Darbar Sahib

Jathedar seeks written explanation; urges Delhi to release Prof Devenderpal Singh Bhullar

3 min readAmritsarFeb 13, 2026 10:38 AM IST

The controversy arose after five police personnel from Fazilka district entered the parikrama area without permission from the shrine management. (Express Photo)

Senior Superintendent of Police Gurmeet Singh of Fazilka on Wednesday visited the Secretariat of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and tendered an apology over a recent police action inside the parikrama of Sri Darbar Sahib.

The controversy arose after five police personnel from Fazilka district entered the parikrama area without permission from the shrine management and detained two individuals.

SSP Gurmeet Singh met Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj at the Secretariat, presented his version of events and expressed regret over the incident.

Addressing the media, the Jathedar said, “Sachkhand Sri Darbar Sahib gives the message of universal brotherhood to the world. Its four doors are open to all humanity. Devotees from across the globe visit the holy shrine with deep reverence and faith.”

He said the SSP has been asked to submit his explanation in writing. “SSP Fazilka Gurmeet Singh has acknowledged that the manner in which five police personnel from his district entered the parikrama of Sri Darbar Sahib recently was inappropriate and should not have occurred,” the Jathedar said.

According to him, the police assured that such an incident would not recur. He emphasised that nothing should disturb the sanctity of the shrine or hurt the religious sentiments of the Sangat.

In a separate statement, the Jathedar also raised the issue of Prof Devenderpal Singh Bhullar, whose petition for release was rejected by the BJP-led Delhi government. He described the decision as unfortunate.

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“Recently, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Cabinet Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa and other ministers met me at the Secretariat,” he said. “When they asked for some service, I requested the Chief Minister to ensure the release of Prof Bhullar.”

Also Read | ‘Inappropriate’: Day after police pick up 2 men from Golden Temple premises, SGPC questions action

He alleged that the earlier Aam Aadmi Party government under Arvind Kejriwal kept the matter pending for a decade and failed to respect Sikh sentiments. He said the Sentence Review Board considered 51 prisoners, rejected 24 cases and approved 27.

“If the government can decide to release other prisoners, then, if it so desires, it can also release Prof Bhullar,” the Jathedar said.

Urging a compassionate approach, he said the Delhi government should respect the sentiments of the Sikh community and order Prof Bhullar’s permanent release, adding that he has already completed his sentence.

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“The responsibility rests with the Delhi government. Keeping in view the contribution of Sikhs to the nation, the government should sign Prof Bhullar’s file and ensure his release,” he said.

Recalling the community’s role in the freedom struggle and national service, the Jathedar appealed to Sikhs to continue raising their voice peacefully for the release of Bandi Singhs and to remain united on the issue.

Kamaldeep Singh Brar

Kamaldeep Singh Brar is a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express, primarily covering Amritsar and the Majha region of Punjab. He is one of the publication's key reporters for stories involving the Akal Takht, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), and the sensitive socio-political issues of the border districts. Core Beats & Specializations Religious & Panthic Affairs: He has deep expertise in the internal workings of the Akal Takht and SGPC, frequently reporting on religious sentences (Tankhah), Panthic politics, and the influence of Sikh institutions. National Security & Crime: His reporting covers cross-border drug smuggling, drone activities from Pakistan, and the activities of radical groups. Regional Politics: He is the primary correspondent for the Majha belt, covering elections and political shifts in Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Gurdaspur. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His work in late 2025 has been centered on judicial developments, local body elections, and religious controversies: 1. Religious Politics & Akal Takht "Akal Takht pronounces religious sentences against former Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh" (Dec 8, 2025): Covering the historic decision to hold the former Jathedar guilty for granting a pardon to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim in 2015. "YouTube suspends SGPC’s channel for a week over video on 1984 Army action" (Nov 20, 2025): Reporting on the digital friction between global tech platforms and Sikh religious bodies. "As AAP govt grants Amritsar holy tag, a look at its fraught demand" (Nov 28, 2025): An analytical piece on the long-standing demand for declaring Amritsar a "holy city" and its political implications. 2. Crime & National Security "Mostly Khalistanis on Amritpal’s hit list: Punjab govt to High Court" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on the state government's claims regarding jailed MP Amritpal Singh orchestrating activity from prison. "Punjab man with links to Pakistan’s ISI handlers killed in encounter" (Nov 20, 2025): Detailing a police operation in Amritsar involving "newly refurbished" firearms likely sent from across the border. "15 schools in Amritsar get bomb threat emails; police launch probe" (Dec 12, 2025): Covering the panic and police response to mass threats against educational institutions. 3. Political Analysis & Elections "AAP wins 12 of 15 zones in SAD stronghold Majitha" (Dec 19, 2025): Highlighting a significant shift in the 2025 rural elections where the Akali Dal lost its grip on a traditional fortress. "Tarn Taran bypoll: woman faces threats after complaining to CM Mann about drug menace" (Nov 9, 2025): A ground report on the personal risks faced by citizens speaking out against the illegal drug trade in border villages. "AAP wins Tarn Taran bypoll, but SAD finds silver lining" (Nov 14, 2025): Analyzing the 2025 assembly by-election results and the surprising performance of Independents backed by radical factions. 4. Human Interest "Two couples and a baby: Punjab drug addiction tragedy has new victims" (Nov 20, 2025): A tragic investigative piece about parents selling an infant to fund their addiction. "Kashmiri women artisans debut at Amritsar’s PITEX" (Dec 8, 2025): A feature on financial independence initiatives for rural women at the Punjab International Trade Expo. Signature Beat Kamaldeep is known for his nuanced understanding of border dynamics. His reporting often highlights the "drug crisis in the underprivileged localities" (like Muradpur in Tarn Taran, Nov 9, 2025), providing a voice to marginalized communities affected by addiction and administrative neglect. X (Twitter): @kamalsbrar ... Read More

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