Giani Iqbal Singh (L) | Baba Harnam Singh Dhumma (R)

Religious News

Sant Samaj sends panel to Patna Sahib to probe “forcible removal” of Jathedar

By Sikh Siyasat Bureau

January 09, 2014

Mehta/ Amritsar, Punjab (January 09, 2013): As per certain media reports the Sant Samaj has constituted a committee to investigate the removal of Giani Iqbal Singh as Jathedar of Takht Sri Harmandar Sahib, Patna Sahib. Damdami Taksal Head and Sant Samaj chief Baba Harnam Singh Dhumma said on Jan. 08 that he had sent a four-member team to Patna which would give a detailed report on the incident.

According to Baba Harman Singh the investigative team is headed by Baba Sukhchain Singh Dharampura and comprises Gurpreet Singh Randhawa, Amarjit Singh Chawla and Sukhminder Singh.

He saaid that the Sant Samaj has its own perspective on investigating the violant clash that took place between two factions on the eve of Parkash Gurpurb of Guru Gobind Singh Ji at Patna Sahib.

It may be recalled that the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has already sent a five-member team to Patna to probe the clash.

According to Times of India (TOI), while objecting to this “overthrowing” of Jathedar Iqbal, the Baba Harnam Singh said, “According to prevalent tradition, Jathedars of Takht Patna Sahib and Takht Hazur Sahib cannot be removed in their lifetime. But if there was some urgency, the board could have followed the set procedure, which it failed to do,” he said, adding that Giani Iqbal had no idea that he was being sacked.

Baba Harnam Singh said: “I hope the Akal Takht Jathedar will take decision impartially and fearlessly”.