Chandigarh, Oct 6 (PTI) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday assured a delegation of the ‘Dharam Yudh Morcha’, that the state government will ensure a swift, transparent and in-depth investigation into an alleged rape case against ex-SGPC member Amarjit Singh Chawla.
He also said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) will be constituted immediately and the strictest action ensured against those found responsible in the Anandpur Sahib incident.
The assurance came amid repeated representations by Sikh institutions seeking an SIT probe into the matter.
Chawla had been booked on the charge of rape in Anandpur Sahib, following a complaint by a woman.
Following the registration of the FIR, Chawla resigned as SGPC member. He, however, had denied the allegations as false and fabricated.
Chawla has already been excommunicated by the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikhs.
At a meeting with the delegation led by Gurpreet Singh Khalsa here on Tuesday, Mann also reiterated the government’s commitment to holding the long-pending Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) elections without further delay and to resolving all issues concerning the Sikh Panth through timely action and due legal process.
Taking serious note of the concerns raised by the delegation regarding the case, Mann said, “The state government will ensure that the investigation is conducted in a fair, transparent and time-bound manner. The law will take its course and no person, irrespective of position or influence, will be allowed to interfere with the process of justice.”
The constitution of the SIT will help expedite the investigation and ensure that all relevant aspects of the case are thoroughly examined, he said.
The chief minister said, “After completion of the investigation, strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty in accordance with law.”
It is extremely unfortunate that this heinous crime against humanity, especially against a woman, has taken place at the sacred land of Sri Anandpur Sahib, noted Mann, adding, exemplary punishment will be ensured for the perpetrator of this crime.
He further said, “Such offenders do not deserve leniency and they will be dealt with as per the law of the land by meting out the severest punishment permissible under law, so that it acts as a deterrent for others too.”
On the long-pending elections to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Mann reiterated the state government’s seriousness on the matter.
“There should be no unnecessary delay in holding the SGPC elections. All legitimate steps within the government’s jurisdiction will be pursued in this regard,” he said.
The Sikh Panth has a rich and historic legacy, and issues concerning Sikh institutions and the wider community deserve to be addressed with sensitivity, seriousness and due respect for constitutional and legal processes, he said. PTI CHS SKY
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