Amritsar: Sri Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj has sought strict action against Punjab Police personnel accused of torturing a Sikh youth and allegedly disrespecting his kakaars after he protested during Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s visit to a village in Sangrur district.
The allegations concern Mohanjit Singh of Sheron village, who, according to the Jathedar, had been raising his voice against the drug problem in Punjab and displayed a black flag during the Chief Minister’s visit.
Speaking at Gurdwara Sri Bhattha Sahib in Ropar on Friday at the beginning of the Miri-Piri Khalsa March, Gargajj demanded that the police officials allegedly involved be dismissed and face legal action.
What Did Jathedar Gargajj Allege About Mohanjit Singh’s Detention?
Gargajj said Mohanjit had displayed a black flag from the rooftop of a neighbouring house as a form of protest, describing it as an exercise of his democratic right.
He alleged that DSP Harwinder Singh Khaira subsequently put the flag around Mohanjit’s neck, dragged him away and that the youth was later subjected to physical abuse in police custody.
Citing Mohanjit’s account, Gargajj alleged that the youth was assaulted, his beard and hair were disrespected and his kachhera, one of the five articles of Sikh faith, was removed and torn.
These are allegations made by the Jathedar based on the youth’s account. The version of the police officials accused in the matter was not immediately available.
Jathedar Seeks Dismissal Of DSP, SHO
Gargajj said he had spoken to a senior Sangrur police officer and demanded immediate action against the DSP and SHO allegedly responsible for the incident.
He called for their dismissal and registration of a case over the alleged torture and hurting of Sikh religious sentiments.
The Jathedar warned that if appropriate action was not taken, Sri Akal Takht Sahib would stand with the youth and consider further steps. He also said he would visit Mohanjit soon.
Questioning the alleged police action, Gargajj said displaying a black flag during a political protest could not justify custodial mistreatment.
Gargajj Raises Punjab’s Drug Problem During Miri-Piri Khalsa March
The Jathedar also used the occasion to raise concerns over drug abuse in Punjab, saying the Miri-Piri Khalsa March had highlighted the scale of the problem across villages.
He alleged that drugs, including “chitta”, continued to be easily available and called on the Punjab government to take stronger measures to curb their supply.
Gargajj also appealed for a supportive approach towards young people struggling with drug addiction rather than social exclusion.
He urged Punjab’s youth to give up drugs, reconnect with Sikh teachings and adopt a life based on the principles of the faith.
The allegations against the police officials have raised demands for an investigation, while an official response from Punjab Police to the specific accusations was awaited.
