Archive · 12 Oct 2026
NAPA Seeks Inquiry Into Police Action at Bangla Sahib
A group called NAPA is asking for an independent investigation into what happened during a protest at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib in New Delhi.
Some protesters had taken shelter at the gurdwara.
NAPA says there are reports that police treated some people roughly.
The reports include claims that turbans were forcibly removed and women protesters were mishandled.
NAPA also asked about a video that appears to show police officers wearing shoes inside the gurdwara.
Delhi Police said the footage was taken in a passage leading to the place where shoes are removed.
NAPA says the claims should be examined fairly, while recognizing that police must maintain law and order.
The North American Punjabi Association called for an independent, time-bound inquiry into reported police action against Sikh devotees at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib.
The concerns followed a protest on Saturday at the historic New Delhi gurdwara.
NAPA sought clarification about video allegedly showing Delhi Police personnel wearing shoes while entering to detain protesters who had taken shelter there.
NAPA Executive Director Satnam Singh Chahal said allegations included forcible turban removal and rough handling of women protesters.
The association acknowledged police responsibilities for law and order and cited Delhi Police’s explanation that the footwear footage showed a common passage leading to the designated shoe-removal area.
- Who
- The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA), Delhi Police, and Sikh devotees and protesters.
- What
- NAPA called for an independent, time-bound inquiry into reported police action and sought clarification about video footage.
- When
- The protest took place on Saturday; NAPA expressed concern on Sunday. No date was specified.
- Where
- Gurdwara Bangla Sahib in New Delhi.
- Why
- NAPA cited allegations of disrespect for Sikh traditions, forcible turban removal, rough handling of women protesters, and questions about police footwear in the gurdwara.
NAPA’s concerns
Delhi Police’s clarification
Footwear footage
NAPA’s concerns
NAPA sought clarification about video purportedly showing police personnel entering Bangla Sahib wearing shoes while going to detain protesters.
Delhi Police’s clarification
Delhi Police said the footage was recorded in a common passage leading to the designated shoe-removal area.
Reported police conduct
NAPA’s concerns
NAPA said allegations of forcible turban removal and rough handling of women protesters should be investigated fairly and impartially.
Delhi Police’s clarification
The article reports no response from Delhi Police to those specific allegations; NAPA acknowledged police responsibility to maintain law and order.
- Organization
- North American Punjabi Association (NAPA)
- Location
- Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, New Delhi
- Event
- A Saturday protest during which protesters reportedly took shelter at the gurdwara
- Request
- An independent, time-bound inquiry
- NAPA representative
- Executive Director Satnam Singh Chahal
- Delhi Police explanation
- The footage showing personnel wearing shoes was recorded in a common passage leading to the designated shoe-removal area