Amritsar: Amritsar police have arrested a close associate of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) in connection with the long-running case involving the disappearance of 328 sacred Sikh relics in Punjab, marking a significant development in a matter that has remained at the centre of political and religious debate for years.
According to police sources, the accused has been identified as Satinder Singh Kohli, a close aide of SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal. Investigators said Kohli has direct links with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and had earlier handled audit-related work for the Sikh religious body. He is a chartered accountant by profession.
The arrest comes amid renewed scrutiny of the controversial case, which has drawn sharp reactions from the Sikh community and opposition parties. The alleged disappearance of 328 sacred “saroops” of Guru Granth Sahib has been a sensitive issue in Punjab, raising serious concerns over accountability and the handling of religious institutions.
Sources said the case has previously seen allegations of delayed action, lack of proper investigation, and political pressure influencing the probe. Critics have also accused authorities of ignoring crucial evidence in the past. With the arrest of a person linked to the Shiromani Akali Dal, fresh questions are being raised about the role of influential individuals and institutions in the matter.
Police officials stated that further investigation is underway to trace the missing sacred relics and to determine whether more individuals were involved. They indicated that additional arrests could follow as the probe progresses.
The development has once again brought the issue to the forefront of Punjab’s political discourse, with demands growing for a transparent and time-bound investigation to ensure accountability in a case that has deeply affected religious sentiments across the state
