Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Oct 13: The Delhi Police has registered a case following a complaint by the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), which accused Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers and supporters of entering the premises of Gurdwara Bangla Sahib during a protest on October 10 and attempting to use the sanctity of the religious institution for political activities.
In its complaint, the DSGMC alleged that AAP supporters raised political slogans inside the gurdwara premises, disturbing the religious atmosphere and violating the sanctity and maryada of Guru Ghar.
The committee also accused AAP leaders of circulating videos on social media that allegedly presented a distorted account of the incident and blamed the gurdwara management.
According to the police, an investigation has been initiated and the videos are being examined to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The gurdwara management and sewadars intervened only to maintain peace, preserve the sanctity of the premises and prevent the situation from escalating,” the committee said in its complaint.
It further alleged that the protesters raised political slogans inside the sacred premises, hurting the religious sentiments of the Sikh community.
“Such deliberate political activity inside a revered place of worship has deeply hurt the religious sentiments of the Sikh Sangat,” the complaint stated.
The DSGMC submitted video recordings purportedly showing protesters creating a disturbance inside the gurdwara premises. It requested the Delhi Police to identify everyone seen in the footage and determine who had mobilised the protesters or directed them to enter the religious complex.
The committee also sought appropriate legal action against those found responsible.
The complaint further alleged that AAP leaders and legislators circulated videos and social media posts blaming the gurdwara management for the incident. It specifically referred to Delhi Chief Minister-turned-AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of publicly supporting and amplifying what the committee described as a distorted narrative.
The allegations are being examined as part of the police investigation.
Meanwhile, a delegation of Punjab AAP MLAs met Akal Takht Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargajj on Monday and submitted a memorandum seeking strict action against Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the same October 10 incident.
The delegation raised concerns over the alleged entry of police personnel into the gurdwara premises with their shoes on and their heads uncovered, conduct that the AAP leaders considered disrespectful to Sikh religious traditions.
The developments have brought competing allegations surrounding the October 10 incident into focus, with the DSGMC seeking action over the alleged political activity inside the gurdwara and AAP representatives demanding accountability over the conduct of police personnel.