Jalandhar: The Alliance of Sikh Organisations has announced a protest outside Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami’s residence in Hoshiarpur on Sep 24, demanding his resignation over the recent case registered against former SGPC member Amarjit Singh Chawla for allegedly raping a woman who had stayed at an SGPC-managed sarai at Anandpur Sahib.Addressing a press conference here on Monday, alliance functionary Sukhdev Singh said the protest would take the form of a congregation, with participants reciting the Gurbani.Sukhdev alleged that the woman’s police statement and a video released by a functionary of the Sukhbir Singh Badal-led SAD indicated that the SGPC had provided her accommodation, a vehicle, a driver, a sevadar and other support for more than six months. He questioned why such extended support was provided and alleged that if wrongdoing continued against her despite the arrangements, it raised questions about the SGPC’s responsibility.He also questioned the process followed by acting Akal Takht jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj in announcing action against Chawla on Sunday, alleging that established procedure was bypassed. Sukhdev said the alliance suspected a larger political conspiracy, but provided no evidence for the allegation.Alliance functionary Parmpal Singh Sabhra alleged that the episode had damaged the SGPC’s standing and questioned whether Dhami’s handling of the matter reflected incompetence or involvement in a political conspiracy. He demanded Dhami’s resignation and urged him to appear before Akal Takht Sahib and explain the matter.The alliance also alleged that senior SGPC functionary Rajinder Singh Mehta and his supporters tried to shield Chawla after the case was registered. SAD (Punar Surjit) leader Jarnail Singh Garhdiwal criticised the SGPC administration and said similar protests would be held outside the residences of other office-bearers and Takht jathedars.
