Punjab ex-dy CM Sukhbir Badal performs ‘sentry duty’ at Golden Temple as ‘atonement for sins’

Amritsar: Visitors to the Golden Temple in Amritsar bore witness Tuesday to former Punjab deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, clad in uniform and carrying a spear, essaying the role of a sentry at the shrine’s main gate Tuesday. The 62-year-old had a board around his neck declaring him a ‘tankhaiya’ (sinner, guilty of religious misconduct).

For the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader, this was the first day of a two-day punishment handed to him by the Akal Takht, highest temporal body of Sikhs, for “sins” against the Sikh community.

Badal was initially directed by the Akal Takht to clean toilets at the Golden Temple as punishment, but was later asked to perform the duties of a sentry for an hour each on 3 and 4 December owing to a hairline fracture. The previous day, Akal Takht also ordered the removal of Badal as president of Akali Dal as part of his punishment.

During his visit to the shrine Tuesday, Badal was accompanied by several senior Akali Dal leaders who, too, were handed punishments.

Former Punjab Dy CM Sukhbir Badal stands guard at Golden Temple as directed by Akal Takht | Shekhar Tiwari | ThePrint

Sukhbir Badal at Golden Temple a day after Akal Takht ordered his removal as Shiromani Akali Dal president | Shekhar Tiwari | ThePrint

Supporters surround Sukhbir Badal and other Akali Dal leaders as they ‘atone’ | Shekhar Tiwari | ThePrint

Sukhbir Badal sitting with folded hands on Golden Temple premises | Shekhar Tiwari | ThePrint

To ‘atone’ for his ‘sins’, Sukhbir Badal was directed to clean utensils | Shekhar Tiwari | ThePrint

Sukhbir Badal cleaning utensils at Golden Temple, Tuesday, as part of punishment handed to him by Akal Takht | Shekhar Tiwari | ThePrint