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Akal Takht takes U-turn on 328 missing ‘saroops’ of Guru Granth Sahib, asks SGPC to support Punjab Police probe

Citing the need for transparency and Panthic interests, the Akal Takht warned political parties against exploiting the sensitive religious matter for gain.

4 min readJan 12, 2026 01:33 PM IST

Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Harjinder Singh Dhami (Express photo)

Taking a U-turn from its earlier stance, the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikhs, Monday urged the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to cooperate with the Punjab Police in investigating the disappearance of 328 ‘saroops’ (sacred copies) of Guru Granth Sahib.

In a statement, Acting Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj directed Sikh leaders, spokespersons, and scholars to refrain from levelling allegations against any party until the police investigation concludes.

The SGPC had earlier said that it would not cooperate with the police in the probe, as action against employees found guilty in the matter had already been taken as per the report of the Akal Takht’s three-member inquiry panel headed by Ishar Singh.

Acting Jathedar Gargaj said the panel’s report clearly states that these sacred saroops were given to the community through the collusion of employees and officials, and the prescribed offerings were neither deposited into the trust funds nor were bills issued. This matter pertains to financial misappropriation by certain corrupt employees, he said. He said the Ishar Singh report names 16 accused, who are also held guilty by the Akal Takht.

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“Although the Khalsa Panth has never tolerated, nor will it tolerate in the future, government interference within the jurisdiction of the SGPC—as it is the elected representative and apex Sikh body—however, in view of the confusion being created among the sangat by some people in the present matter of the sacred saroops, and keeping in mind the larger Panthic interests, the president of the SGPC, advocate Harjinder Singh, is hereby authorised to extend due cooperation to the government only with regard to the issue of the 328 sacred saroops,” he said.

Gargaj said that if the government requires any information from the SGPC for investigation purposes, the necessary information may be reviewed at the SGPC’s sub-office in Chandigarh in the presence of SGPC president advocate Harjinder Singh.

‘Don’t try to gain political mileage from the issue’

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The acting jathedar further said that the Ishar Singh commission has very clearly written on page 231 of the fourth part of its report that no political party should attempt to derive political benefit from this issue, and that any party doing so would be accountable to the Akal Takht and would be considered guilty of betraying Panthic interests.

He said the Akal Takht has already issued orders that no political party, organisation or individual should seek political mileage from this sensitive matter, and that the politics being played out on it must be stopped, failing which strict action will be taken.

Acting Jathedar Gargaj said that during the course of this matter, it has been observed in recent days that on media, social media and web channel platforms, spokespersons of various parties, intellectuals, and commentators are using extremely low-level analogies and language.

He said that such crude terminology, whether used knowingly or unknowingly, is unbearable and unacceptable for Gursikhs, religious persons and devotees, and that many Gursikhs and Sikh organisations have raised objections in this regard.

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He said that keeping in view the reverence and sanctity of Guru Granth Sahib, the Akal Takht issues strict directions to all Sikh scholars, personalities and intellectuals who express their views on media, social media and web channels that, until the outcome of this matter comes forth, no allegations or statements should be made against any party, individual or organisation connected with this 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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