In Punjab, Bageshwar Dham head priest refuses to retract remarks; Christian body files complaint

Dhirendra Krishna Shastri’s remarks had angered several Christian groups in Punjab. During his 3-day visit, Shastri had sought an anti-conversion law in the state.

Spiritual leader Dhirendra Krishna Shastri during a visit to Golden Temple, in Amritsar, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. (PTI Photo)

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Self-styled spiritual guru Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, popularly known as Bageshwar Dham Baba or Maharaj, on Monday, refused to retract his remarks that had upset Christian groups in Punjab. A Christian organisation had filed a complaint with the Amritsar police against Shastri for allegedly hurting religious sentiments.

Shastri, who was on a three-day visit to Punjab, is the head priest of Bageshwar Dham, a pilgrimage site in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhatarpur district.

On his first visit to Punjab, Shastri paid obeisance at the Golden Temple in Amritsar on Saturday. Speaking to the media outside the Darbar Sahib, he pronounced a word in a way that several Christian groups took offence.

“I have come to know that some people have a problem with my visit. They are objecting to why I used the word…I used it…If you have any problem, stop interrupting our innocent Hindus. We will not interrupt you. I do not have any personal enmity with you,” Shastri said, addressing a gathering in Pathankot.

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Shastri, who also raised the issue of forced conversions in the state, said the Pathankot police had advised him not to extend his visit as it could lead to a law and order situation.

“I appeal to the Punjab government to make an anti-conversion law in the state because innocent people are being exploited. Those who have been feeling hurt must understand that there will be consequences. So it is a request that Bharat is for all…,” he said.

“I wanted to go to Pandhori Dham, Gaushala, and other places in Pathankot. But police officials said that the environment is not good, and your visit will not be appropriate. According to the police, my visit could create a problem. So I did not want to create any inconvenience. But I will continue to come to Punjab,” Shastri said.

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Also Read | Who is ‘Bageshwar Baba’?

Jatinder Gaurav of the Global Christian Action Committee alleged that Shastri had used a derogatory word and demanded that the police register a case. “Baba has come from outside and is trying to disrupt the peace in Punjab. He is targeting the word… wherever he goes in Punjab, targeting the Christian community. We have been told by the police that appropriate legal action will be taken on our complaint. We will intensify our protest if no action is taken,” Gaurav added.

Saying that he had received a lot of love and affection in Punjab, Shastri said, “Foreign powers should not be allowed to enter temples and gurudwaras. They should not be allowed to sway people away from any religion. That is why I am going to different places. Otherwise, I have no problem with anyone. Hindus must unite.”

Businessman Swaran Salaria, who had unsuccessfully contested the parliamentary election from Gurdaspur on a BJP ticket, had hosted Shastri in Pathankot.

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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