War of words deepens: Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh makes differences with SGPC public, takes stand for Giani Harpreet Singh

With this, differences between the Akal Takht and the SGPC are now officially open in public.

On Monday, SGPC had removed Harpreet Singh as the Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib over allegations levelled against his character.

Raghbir Singh further wrote: “Since the decisions made on December 2, 2024, by Akal Takht in the light of Panthic sentiments and traditions, it seemed as if an environment was being deliberately created against Singh Sahib. A media trial was conducted against Singh Sahib by misrepresenting an 18-year-old family matter. “As the Jathedar of Akal Takht, I had stated during the formation of the inquiry committee by the Shiromani committee that this was not appropriate. If a probe is required against a jathedar of any takht sahib, it can only be conducted by Akal Takht. Singh Sahib’s removal is unfortunate. The way jathedars are humiliated and dismissed is extremely regrettable.”

Raghbir Singh said, adding: “Once again, from the depths of my soul, I must say that removing Singh Sahib is a highly condemnable and unfortunate act, which also harms the independent authority and identity of takht sahibs.”

On his removal, Harpreet Singh had told The Indian Express in a recent interview: “The allegations were made to assassinate my character. The most important thing is that SGPC conducted a probe into these allegations in 2008 as well. A probe committee was formed, and questioned me as well as my relatives, friends, colleagues and neighbours. I was absolved from these allegations. Then I was made Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar and given charge as acting Jathedar of Akal Takht. Would SGPC have offered me such posts if they found even an iota of truth in these allegations? SGPC denied these allegations in the first place. These allegations are not the reasons, but an excuse to remove me.”