Sri Amritsar-Taking a strict notice of the incident in which five sacred saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji were set on fire last night by pouring fuel by a local resident named Manjeet at Gurdwara Singh Sabha of Koulpur village in Vijaypur Tehsil of Jammu’s Samba district, the Officiating Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, personally visited the Gurdwara today and conducted a comprehensive investigation.
Jathedar Gargajj described the incident as deeply shameful and painful, stating that the entire Sikh Panth is anguished over this desecration. Taking firm action, he announced a lifetime ban on all office-bearers and members of the Management Committee of Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Koulpur, including their family members, prohibiting them from ever holding managerial responsibilities in any Gurdwara in the future. They can come to the Gurdwara to pay obeisance and participate as devoted Sikhs, he said.
He issued a stern directive to all Gurdwara Management Committees worldwide, emphasizing that instead of competing for posts such as president, secretary, or member, Sikhs must serve as true sewadars of the Guru’s House, ensuring 24-hour vigilance within every Gurdwara Sahib. He reminded that Akal Takht Sahib had already issued such instructions earlier, warning that any negligence would invite strict disciplinary action.
He added that the Secretariat of Akal Takht Sahib frequently receives complaints about internal disputes and power struggles within Gurdwara committees, stressing the need for everyone to rise above such issues and uphold the honour and respect of Guru Sahib with sincere devotion and humility.
Upon receiving information about the incident, Jathedar Gargajj immediately departed for Samba early this morning, inspected the site, and addressed the large gathering of local Sikh devotees who had assembled in protest. It was found that four of the five saroops were completely burnt, while one was partially damaged by heat.
Before the Jathedar’s arrival, local Sikh residents, outraged by the desecration, had set fire to Manjeet’s house in Koulpur village, which was later demolished using bulldozers.
Senior civil and police officers, including Samba Deputy Commissioner Ayushi Sudan and DIG of Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range Shiv Kumar Sharma, were present at the Gurdwara Sahib during Jathedar Gargajj’s visit.
Addressing the congregation, Jathedar Gargajj declared that Sikhs can never tolerate desecration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and that the crime committed by Manjeet is unpardonable. He said that the local Sikh community demolished the culprit’s house out of righteous anger because his act has deeply wounded the sentiments of Sikhs across the world. The Jathedar told the administrative and police officers present that if any action is taken against Sikhs for demolishing the culprit’s house, the Sikh community will strongly oppose it, and if necessary, the Khalsa Panth will launch a protest here.
He also stated that while Manjeet has already been arrested by police within a few hours, two more individuals reportedly involved in the crime must also be arrested and publicly identified immediately. He said that the accused, Manjeet, had earlier also been indulging in anti-Sikh activities at his residence, about which the local Sikh community had already informed the administration. He stated that had the government taken timely action against this individual and restrained him, this tragic incident would not have occurred. He further asked the local government to investigate and clarify what conspiracy was operating behind this incident.
Jathedar Gargajj noted that the management of Koulpur Gurdwara Sahib had major security lapses, as there were no guards on duty, and even the Sukhasan (resting place) room had glass door and windows of the building are of glass, inadequately protected, making it easy for anyone to break in — as had occurred in this case.
A special delegation from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) also reached Samba for a detailed inquiry and follow-up action. The delegation included SGPC member Gurmeet Singh Booh, Dharam Prachar Committee member Bhai Ajaib Singh Abhyasi, and SGPC Secretary Partap Singh.
Earlier, Bhai Harbhinder Singh, In-charge of SGPC’s Sikh Mission Jammu, arrived at Koulpur early in the morning and, with the cooperation of the local Sangat, handled the sewa and preservation of the burnt saroops.
SGPC Secretary Partap Singh stated that, under the directions of SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, the delegation held discussions with the local administration, urging that all accused, including Manjeet and others involved, be immediately arrested and given the strictest punishment. He also demanded that no action be taken against any Sikh in connection with the demolition of the culprit’s house.
He informed that the burnt saroops have been respectfully dispatched to Gurdwara Sri Goindwal Sahib in accordance with Maryada for further religious proceedings.