Amritsar (Rajesh Sandhu): The ongoing 328 Pavan Saroops Probe has turned controversial after Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee President Harjinder Singh Dhami strongly objected to the functioning of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Punjab government. According to Dhami, the SIT has gone beyond its jurisdiction and is unnecessarily interfering in the internal and administrative affairs of the SGPC.
Furthermore, Dhami alleged that, under the pretext of investigation, attempts are being made to weaken the constitutional identity and autonomy of the Sikh community’s premier religious institution. Consequently, the matter has now sparked serious discussions within Sikh and political circles.
SGPC Alleges SIT Crossed Its Jurisdiction
Speaking on the 328 Pavan Saroops Probe, Harjinder Singh Dhami said the SIT has exceeded its legal authority by seeking information unrelated to the actual investigation.
According to Dhami, the SGPC cooperated fully with the investigation from the very beginning. Moreover, he stated that the committee provided every necessary document and assistance while respecting the directions of Akal Takht Sahib.
However, instead of focusing only on the missing Pavan Saroops matter, the SIT allegedly started examining SGPC’s internal management and financial operations. Therefore, SGPC leaders believe the investigation is moving away from its original purpose.
SGPC Questions Demand for Financial Details
During his statement on the 328 Pavan Saroops Probe, Dhami strongly criticized the SIT for allegedly demanding SGPC’s bank records, financial accounts, and economic details.
He claimed that SIT officials even approached banks to gather account-related information. In addition, several letters were reportedly sent to SGPC asking for detailed financial documents.
According to SGPC, these demands do not directly relate to the missing Pavan Saroops investigation. Therefore, the organization views such actions as unnecessary interference in its independent functioning.
Furthermore, Dhami argued that repeatedly asking for the same information despite previous submissions raises serious concerns regarding the SIT’s intentions.
Agreements With Media Channels Also Under Scanner
Another major controversy in the 328 Pavan Saroops Probe emerged after the SIT reportedly sought details regarding SGPC’s agreements with private media channels such as ETC and Zee Next Media for Gurbani Kirtan broadcasts.
Dhami questioned the relevance of these agreements to the actual investigation. Moreover, he stated that these matters have no connection with the issue of 328 missing Pavan Saroops.
At the same time, SGPC leaders alleged that the SIT continues to send repeated notices seeking information that has already been provided earlier. Consequently, the committee believes the probe is expanding beyond its intended scope.
SGPC Raises Concern Over Sikh Institutions’ Autonomy
While addressing the media, Harjinder Singh Dhami stated that the issue is no longer limited to the investigation itself. Instead, he described it as a sensitive matter connected to the constitutional rights and autonomy of Sikh institutions.
According to Dhami, it appears that the Punjab government is attempting to target the authority of the SGPC through the SIT mechanism. Therefore, he urged the investigation team to remain within its jurisdiction and focus only on the 328 Pavan Saroops case.
Additionally, he emphasized that Sikh institutions must remain free from unnecessary governmental interference.
Political and Religious Debate Intensifies
As the 328 Pavan Saroops Probe controversy continues, reactions from Sikh organizations and political observers are increasing. While some groups have demanded complete transparency in the investigation, others have supported SGPC’s concerns regarding institutional autonomy.
Meanwhile, legal experts believe the matter could lead to a larger debate regarding the limits of investigative powers in cases involving religious bodies.
For now, SGPC has made it clear that it will continue cooperating with the investigation. However, at the same time, the organization insists that the SIT should not exceed its mandate or interfere in unrelated internal affairs.
Key Highlights of the News
- Harjinder Singh Dhami objected to the SIT’s functioning in the 328 Pavan Saroops Probe.
- SGPC accused the SIT of interfering in internal and administrative matters.
- Additionally, the SIT reportedly sought financial and banking details from SGPC.
- Dhami claimed many questions raised by the SIT are unrelated to the probe.
- SGPC warned against targeting Sikh institutions’ constitutional autonomy.
