Amritsar: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on Tuesday announced departmental action in connection with the controversy involving SGPC member Amarjit Singh Chawla and allegations of sexual assault.
The SGPC has accepted Chawla’s resignation and terminated the services of Additional Head Granthi Malkit Singh with immediate effect. SGPC president Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami said the decisions were taken in accordance with the directions and action of Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
SGPC Forms Four-Member Inquiry Committee
The SGPC has also constituted a four-member committee to conduct a detailed inquiry into the matter.
The panel includes SGPC members Baldev Singh Qaimpuri, Gurmeet Singh Booh, Bibi Gurinder Kaur Bholuwal and Gurbakhsh Singh Khalsa. SGPC secretary Balwinder Singh Kalma has been appointed as the coordinator of the committee.
According to Dhami, the panel has been given 15 days to submit its report. He said the SGPC would hold another press conference after receiving the findings and respond to questions raised by the media and the Sikh community.
Harjinder Singh Dhami Rejects Allegations
Dhami rejected allegations concerning his involvement in the matter and said he had no information about who brought the woman involved in the controversy, where she had come from or who accompanied her.
He also denied having any connection with the circumstances surrounding the case.
The SGPC president urged the police to conduct an impartial investigation and said the facts should emerge without injustice being done to any party.
SGPC Calls For Legal Process
Dhami stressed that allegations should not be treated as established facts before the completion of the legal process.
He said all sides have the right to present their position until a court delivers its verdict or a charge sheet is filed. The SGPC, he added, would seek to ensure that the matter is dealt with in accordance with the law as well as religious principles.
The latest decisions come amid continued scrutiny of the controversy and follow action and directions issued by Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
