NRIs seek Punjab Govt probe into alleged disrespect (beadbi) during Canada-bound shipment of Sri Guru Granth Sahib saroops

Punjab News Express

Jul 13, 2026 - 20:05

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CHANDIGARH: Expressing deep concern over regarding the transportation of more than 200 saroops (birs) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji to Canada through commercial shipping containers, the IndUS Canada Foundation (ICF), one of the largest Indian diaspora and NRIs advocacy forum has called upon Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to order a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the matter and ensure accountability under the spirit and provisions of the recently enacted Jagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act.

In a letter addressed to the Punjab Chief Minister following a Zoom meeting with representatives of 16 Sikh temples from California, British Columbia, Ontario, New York and London on Sunday, IndUS Canada Foundation (ICF) President Vikram Bajwa said the allegations have caused widespread anguish among Sikhs and NRIs across the world. He mentioned that several Sikh organisations in Canada and USA have publicly objected to the alleged transportation of the sacred saroops by sea in commercial cargo containers over a voyage lasting several weeks, instead of by air which they believe would have ensured greater dignity, reverence and care in handling the holy scriptures.

Dilbagh Sandhu, Joint Secretary of Fairfield Sikh Temple, California also urged Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to constitute a high-level independent inquiry to ascertain all facts surrounding the transportation of the sacred saroops and examine whether established Sikh religious protocols as well as the administrative procedures prescribed by the SGPC and the Akal Takht were duly followed. He said the implementation of the Beadbi Jagat Guru 2026 law should not remain confined to penal provisions alone but should also strengthen institutional mechanisms to ensure the dignified transportation, preservation, handling and overall sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, both in India and overseas.

The ICF also called for the inquiry to ascertain whether the sacred saroops were dispatched against individual requisitions or on behalf of recognised gurdwara institutions in Canada for public installation and service. The Foundation expressed the view that if the consignments had been requisitioned by established gurdwara institutions, they would have been handled in accordance with established Sikh religious protocols and the alleged act of disrespect (beadbi) could have been avoided.

ICF further urged that the inquiry should identify and disclose the names of the individuals or institutions that requisitioned the sacred saroops in Canada so that the entire chain of accountability is established in the public interest.

The foundation urged the Punjab Govt to obtain and examine the relevant customs clearance records from both the Indian and Canadian Customs authorities to establish the factual sequence of events.