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Viral Police Video at Delhi Gurdwara Sparks Political Row
A group of people planned to protest in Delhi, but police did not allow the gathering at Jantar Mantar.
Some protesters went to Gurdwara Bangla Sahib for shelter.
A video showed police officers walking in a passage there while wearing shoes.
Some politicians said this disrespected Sikh customs.
Police said the passage was used to reach the place where visitors take off their shoes.
The gurdwara committee chief said protesters should not use the sacred place for political demonstrations.
More than 2,000 people were detained during the wider police operation.
The protest was about claims of problems with voter lists, which the Election Commission and BJP deny.
Protesters seeking shelter at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib were detained during a police operation that blocked a planned demonstration at Jantar Mantar.
A viral video showed police personnel walking in a gurdwara passage with shoes on, prompting allegations that they disrespected Sikh customs.
Delhi Police said the passage was a common route leading to the place where visitors remove their shoes, and alleged the footage was circulated with malicious intent.
Opposition leaders criticized the police, while gurdwara committee president Harmeet Singh Kalka said protesters had brought placards and slogans onto the premises and tried to enter the hall.
More than 2,000 people were detained; the protest called for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to resign over alleged voter-roll irregularities, which the Election Commission and BJP deny.
- Who
- Delhi Police, protesters, opposition leaders, and Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee president Harmeet Singh Kalka.
- What
- A viral video of police at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib prompted allegations of religious disrespect and a political dispute over protesters seeking shelter there.
- Where
- Delhi, including Gurdwara Bangla Sahib and the planned protest site at Jantar Mantar.
- When
- Saturday.
- Why
- The protesters sought to demonstrate against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the voter-list revision; the Election Commission and BJP deny wrongdoing.
Critics of Police and Protest Response
Police and Gurdwara Committee Response
Police footwear and conduct
Critics of Police and Protest Response
AAP and other opposition figures alleged police entered the shrine with shoes on and, according to Aman Arora, batons in hand, raising concerns about respect for Sikh customs.
Police and Gurdwara Committee Response
Delhi Police said the officers were in a common passage before the shoe-removal point and said the video was circulated with malicious intent. Its clarification did not specifically address the allegation that some officers had not covered their heads.
Protesters inside the gurdwara
Critics of Police and Protest Response
Opposition leaders said young protesters had sought refuge at the gurdwara and respected its religious code; Sukhpal Singh Khaira described the Nishan Sahib as a symbol of refuge.
Police and Gurdwara Committee Response
Harmeet Singh Kalka said protesters brought placards, raised slogans, and tried to force their way into the hall, arguing that a gurdwara should not be used as a protest venue.
Police response to the wider protest
Critics of Police and Protest Response
Opposition leaders criticized the police presence and actions connected with protesters at the shrine.
Police and Gurdwara Committee Response
Manjinder Singh Sirsa praised police restraint and said their response helped prevent violence; police had denied permission for the planned Jantar Mantar gathering.
Key facts
- Protest target
- Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar
- Planned protest site
- Jantar Mantar, Delhi
- Shelter location
- Gurdwara Bangla Sahib
- Detentions
- More than 2,000 protesters were detained
- Police explanation
- The video showed a common passage leading to the point where visitors remove their shoes.
- Police allegation
- Delhi Police said the footage was circulated deliberately with malicious intent and that legal action was being initiated.
- Election issue
- The protest concerned alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
- Official response
- The Election Commission and BJP denied allegations of wrongdoing in the voter-list exercise.
Quotes
Harmeet Singh Kalka
President of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee
“A gurdwara is open to people from every section of society, and everyone is served equally. But protesters entered the gurdwara premises and tried to force their way into the hall. This is completely unacceptable.”
NDTV
“Did the police enter Gurudwara Bangla Sahib today? Is the BJP Govt out of its senses? They are wearing shoes and are not covering their heads.”
NDTV
Sources
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