SGPC suspends 3 gurdwara employees after ‘pardon’ to Langah by panj pyaras
AMRITSAR: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on Monday suspended three employees of the historic Gurdwara Baba Banda Singh Bahadar at Garhi Gurdas Nangal village in Gurdaspur district.
The action came hours after the panj pyaras (five beloved ones of the Guru) at the Sgpc-managed gurdwara granted pardon to former Akali minister Sucha Singh Langah, who was excommunicated by Akal Takht, the highest Sikh temporal seat, after a video allegedly showing him in an objectionable position with a woman was widely shared on social media in 2017.
“Three employees — Rachhpal Singh (in-charge), Bhai Khushwant Singh (granthi) and Bhai Harmeet Singh (preacher) — deputed in the gurdwara have been suspended. Besides, an enquiry has been ordered,” said Mahinder Singh Ahli, personal secretary to SGPC president Gobind Singh Longowal.
Longowal said, “The probe panel, including officials of the flying department, senior preachers and other members, will visit the gurdwara on Tuesday. Strict action will be taken against those found guilty.”
The role of a SGPC member of Gurdaspur and the husband of an SGPC member is also being speculated behind the pardon granted to Langah. Langah, who also served as a member of the apex gurdwara body, was excommunicated in October 2017 as the Sikh clergy found him guilty of misconduct and violation of the Sikh tenets on the basis of the video. After being acquitted by the court, he pleaded for pardon before the Takht thrice but was not entertained.
On Monday, he along with other family appeared before panj pyaras to apologise for the immoral act. Considering his request, the panj pyaras awarded him tankhah (religious punishment) under which he was asked to sweep floors of the gurdwara for 21 days for an hour daily.
After Langah accepted this punishment, the panj pyaras granted him ‘amrit’ (nectar) to re-include him into the community.
“After completing the tankhah, I will do ardas to offer thanks at the gurdwara for correcting my act”, Langah said. After taking amrit, he started undergoing tankhah by sweeping the premises of the gurdwara.
EXCOMMUNICATION TO REMAIN INTACT: AKAL TAKHT JATHEDAR
Akal Takht acting jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh said, “The order against him remains intact.”
The Sikh clergy may meet on Tuesday to take necessary action against those who played a role in organising the amrit sanchar ceremony. Members of Sikh organisations will gather at the Akal Takht on Tuesday against ‘pardon’ granted tolangah.