Chandigarh, December 29:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday condemned the inaction of the SGPC over 328 missing copies of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to ensure justice.
Speaking to the press, Mann accused the SGPC and Akali Dal leaders of using religious institutions as shields to protect powerful individuals implicated in irregularities. “Despite earlier resolutions against erring employees and publishers, no action was taken. Now the state government is stepping in to recover the saroops and uphold the sanctity of the Guru Granth Sahib,” he said.
The CM highlighted that the SGPC’s lack of accountability has left the Sikh community distressed for years. He also criticised the Akali leadership for prioritising political power over state welfare and public trust, pointing to past approvals for controversial decisions like the SYL issue and draconian farm laws.
Mann reaffirmed that the government would ensure strict legal action against those responsible and cautioned that the SIT will investigate thoroughly. He accused SGPC leaders of being “puppets in the hands of Akali leadership” and warned that attempts to politicise the issue will not deter the probe.
