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Chawla rape case raises questions over woman’s Punjab stay
A woman living in Bahrain accused Akali leader Amarjit Singh Chawla of serious crimes.
Police registered a case in Anandpur Sahib on August 21.
Chawla denied the accusations and said he had been framed.
The woman said she was brought to India to expose someone in the Shiromani Akali Dal.
She later stayed for several months in a facility managed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee.
Critics are asking why she received accommodation, transportation and attendants there.
The Akal Takht expelled Chawla from the Sikh religious community, but he said he was not given a fair chance to respond.
Some Akali figures support Chawla, while political opponents are demanding an independent investigation.
An FIR in Anandpur Sahib accuses Amarjit Singh Chawla of rape, wrongful confinement and criminal intimidation.
The Bahrain-based complainant says she was brought to India to expose someone within the Shiromani Akali Dal.
She allegedly stayed for months at an SGPC-managed facility and received a vehicle and attendants.
The Akal Takht excommunicated Chawla on September 20; he called the decision hasty and denied the allegations.
Political and Sikh groups are seeking clarity on the arrangements, while the Aam Aadmi Party wants an independent probe.
- Who
- Amarjit Singh Chawla is accused by a Bahrain-based woman; Akali leaders, Sikh institutions and political parties have responded.
- What
- A rape, wrongful-confinement and criminal-intimidation FIR has expanded into questions about the woman’s arrival in India and her accommodation at an SGPC facility.
- Where
- The FIR was registered at Anandpur Sahib, and the woman stayed at Bhai Bachittar Singh Niwas at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib in Punjab.
- When
- The FIR was registered on August 21; Chawla was excommunicated on September 20, and the Shiromani Akali Dal expelled Roop Kaur Sandhu on September 29.
- Why
- The woman said she was brought from Bahrain to expose someone within the Shiromani Akali Dal; critics are questioning why SGPC resources were used for her stay.
Critics and Investigators
Chawla’s Supporters and Defenders
Credibility of the allegations
Critics and Investigators
The complainant has accused Chawla of rape, wrongful confinement and criminal intimidation, and the Aam Aadmi Party has sought an independent investigation.
Chawla’s Supporters and Defenders
Chawla denies the allegations, while Virsa Singh Valtoha questioned the complainant’s account and raised doubts about her reported movements and delay in reporting.
Use of SGPC facilities
Critics and Investigators
Rival Sikh groups want an explanation for why the woman was housed at an SGPC-managed facility and allegedly provided a vehicle, drivers and attendants.
Chawla’s Supporters and Defenders
The article does not report a definitive explanation from the SGPC; SGPC member Rajinder Singh Mehta said he supported Chawla but respected the Akal Takht’s decision.
Religious disciplinary process
Critics and Investigators
Chawla’s excommunication was treated by the Akal Takht as action warranted by the controversy and allegations.
Chawla’s Supporters and Defenders
Chawla said the decision was hasty and that he was not given an opportunity to present his side.
Key facts
- FIR
- FIR No. 149 was registered at Anandpur Sahib on August 21.
- Alleged offences
- Rape, wrongful confinement and criminal intimidation under Sections 64, 127(2) and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
- Complainant
- A woman based in Bahrain who said she was brought to India to expose a person within the Shiromani Akali Dal.
- Accommodation
- She reportedly stayed for several months at Bhai Bachittar Singh Niwas, an SGPC-managed facility at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib.
- Akal Takht action
- Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj excommunicated Chawla and additional head Granthi Malkit Singh on September 20.
- Chawla’s position
- He denied the allegations, said he was implicated and criticised the Akal Takht decision as hasty.
- Investigation demand
- The Aam Aadmi Party called for an independent police or judicial probe instead of relying on the SGPC’s internal inquiry.
Quotes
Virsa Singh Valtoha
Former Akali MLA and party colleague of Amarjit Singh Chawla
“It is surprising that a person who was allegedly being raped for six months remained silent for so long, despite attending court hearings in Nabha and Sangrur, travelling to Mohali and other cities, and having a mobile phone”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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