CHANDIGARH — The Shiromani Akali Dal has expelled its Joint Secretary Roop Kaur Sandhu from the party’s primary membership following her public assertions that additional misconduct allegations involving prominent socio-religious figures would soon be brought to light. The expulsion was formally announced by Istri Akali Dal president Hargobind Kaur, who stated that the decision was finalized in consultation with senior party leadership on grounds of repeated indiscipline and conduct violating organizational protocols.
The disciplinary action follows Sandhu’s recent involvement in publicizing serious allegations against Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee member Amarjeet Singh Chawla. On September 19, Sandhu facilitated a media appearance for a woman from Bahrain, reiterating accusations recorded in an official police complaint concerning an alleged incident at the Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib pilgrim sarai in Anandpur Sahib.
Tensions escalated on Monday when Sandhu stated via social media that several other women had since contacted her to share personal accounts of exploitation. Without identifying specific individuals, she alleged that the accusations implicate notable figures entrenched in Punjab’s political and religious landscape, as well as in Panthic circles abroad. Sandhu pledged to disclose their identities and present corroborated evidence directly before the Akal Takht to seek strict religious and administrative accountability.
Expressing apprehensions regarding her personal safety, Sandhu maintained that she intends to proceed with the planned disclosures as long as her security remains uncompromised. The party’s decision to sever ties with the joint secretary comes amid growing public scrutiny and ongoing debates surrounding institutional accountability within regional religious-political bodies.
