1 week ago
Punjab Delegation Seeks SIT Probe Into Former SGPC Member
A political group in Punjab wants a special team to investigate allegations against Amarjit Singh Chawla.
Chawla was a member of the SGPC, an organization that manages Sikh gurdwaras.
A woman accused him of rape, wrongful confinement and threats.
Chawla said the accusations were false.
The group wants investigators to examine how the woman traveled from Bahrain and what happened after she arrived in India.
It also wants the team to look into her arrest, time in jail and stay at a Sikh institution.
Other people were accused of sending inappropriate messages, and two officials were suspended.
The group says a fair investigation is needed to protect trust in Sikh institutions.
Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) urged Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to establish an SIT into allegations against former SGPC member Amarjit Singh Chawla.
Chawla was booked in Anandpur Sahib for alleged rape, wrongful confinement and criminal intimidation, and later resigned from the SGPC and Shiromani Akali Dal.
Chawla denied the allegations, calling them false and fabricated; the Akal Takht has excommunicated him.
The delegation wants investigators to examine the woman’s travel from Bahrain, arrest, jail stay and subsequent accommodation at Bhai Bachittar Singh Niwas.
The SGPC has formed a four-member committee, while two officials were suspended over alleged inappropriate communications with the woman.
- Who
- Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) representatives urged Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to investigate allegations against former SGPC member Amarjit Singh Chawla.
- What
- The delegation requested a senior, impartial Special Investigation Team to examine the rape case and related events.
- Where
- The case was registered in Anandpur Sahib, and the requested investigation concerns events involving Bahrain, New Delhi, Nabha Jail and Anandpur Sahib.
- When
- The delegation met the chief minister on Wednesday; the article does not specify the date.
- Why
- The delegation said a thorough probe was needed to establish the truth and address concerns about the dignity and reputation of Sikh institutions.
Calls for an impartial investigation
Denial of allegations
Need for an SIT
Calls for an impartial investigation
Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) says a fast, high-level and impartial SIT is necessary to investigate the case and related events.
Denial of allegations
The article does not report a direct response from Amarjit Singh Chawla on the SIT demand.
The allegations
Calls for an impartial investigation
The delegation is seeking investigation of allegations involving rape, wrongful confinement, criminal intimidation and alleged inappropriate communications by other individuals.
Denial of allegations
Amarjit Singh Chawla denies the allegations, describing them as false and fabricated.
Key facts
- Accused person
- Amarjit Singh Chawla, a former SGPC member
- Alleged offences
- Rape, wrongful confinement and criminal intimidation
- Requested investigation
- A high-level SIT led by a senior, honest and impartial officer
- Requested timeline
- The delegation asked that the investigation be completed within 15 days
- Existing SGPC action
- The SGPC formed a four-member committee to examine the case
- Other disciplinary action
- Giani Malkit Singh and driver Mohan Singh were suspended
- Chawla’s response
- He denied the allegations and called them false and fabricated
Quotes
Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) delegation
Party delegation that met Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and submitted the SIT request
“The psyche of the entire Sikh community has been bruised through this act for which an impartial and fair probe is a must.”
rediff.com
Sources
Related news
Rape Allegations Against Akali Leader Deepen Punjab Political Scrutiny
Akal Takht Expels Chawla From Khalsa Panth Over Rape Case
SGPC Forms Four-Member Panel Over Anandpur Sahib Rape Charge
SAD, Congress Protest Allegations Against Punjab CM’s Wife
Akali Dal Women Protest, Seek FIR Against Punjab CM’s Wife
BJP Accuses Punjab CM, Wife in Alleged Rape-Case Racket
Akal Takht Leader Meets Death-Row Convict Over Mercy Plea
US Envoy Sergio Gor Visits Golden Temple, Raises Sikh Concerns
