Chandigarh: As per the media reports a probe panel formed by SGPC chief Kirpal Singh Badungar to hold an inquiry against some Punjab politicians for seeking support of controversial Dera Sauda Sirsa chief during Punjab assembly polls, 2017 is likely to take more time to complete their investigation.
A view of stage during February 01, 2017 event by SAD (B) and Dera Sirsa at Bathinda
Notably, the political wing of Dera Sirsa had held a joint conference with ruling Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) at Talwandi Sabo on February 01, where dera had announced its support to Badal Dal candidates during Punjab assembly election, polling for which was held on February 04. The move was seen as a clear violation of ‘Hukumnama‘ issued by Akal Takht Sahib on May 17, 2007.
SGPC chief Kirpal Singh Badungar with Rajinder Singh Mehta, Amarjit Singh Chawla, DS Cheema and Gurcharan Singh Grewwal [File Photo]
SGPC chief had formed a probe committee on the directions of Giani Gurbachan Singh (SGPC backed Jathedar) in this regard. The probe panel was asked to submit its report with in a week- the time period for which is going to expire on Feb. 13. But now the members of the probe panel are planning to seek more time to finish their ‘investigation’.
As per media reports, the reason being put forth by the probe committee members is that the investigation was still pending and was not completed yet.
Jagdeep Nakai addressing 1 February, 2017 joint gathering by SAD (Badal) and Dera Sauda Sirsa at Bathinda
“We have gathered news clippings, photos and videos of the Sirsa dera’s event which was attended by Sikh leaders of various parties. We have identified 22 of them. It was unanimously decided that before reaching any conclusion, they should also be given a chance to submit their version, though it is a time-consuming process to meet each one of them,” said Amarjit Singh Chawla.
However, the move seems to be aimed at avoiding any further embarrassment for the ruling party before Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee elections- polling which is due on February 26.
The SAD (Badal) and its candidates are facing strong criticism and opposition from the Sikh sangat of Delhi as its Punjab leadership had joined hands with dera.
ALSO READ: POLLS OVER, BADAL DAL SWITCHES TO DAMAGE CONTROL MODE ON DERA SIRSA ISSUE .
“Insiders say the SGPC’s probe committee has gathered enough proof to establish the guilt of the Sikh leaders, but “action” has been put on the back burner to avoid any adverse impact on the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Managing Committee (DSGMC) elections, scheduled to be held on February 26”, notes a report in The Tribune (TT).
Various Sikh groups have already rejected the probe exercise by SGPC on this issue. Dal Khalsa has termed the SGPC probe in this matter as an attempt to mislead Sikh Sangat (READ FULL STATEMENT).