AMRITSAR: The ongoing controversy within the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) intensified on Sunday after Giani Raghbir Singh, Head Granthi of Darbar Sahib, issued a counter 72-hour ultimatum to SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami, demanding that he disclose details of alleged corruption cases during his tenure.
Giani Raghbir Singh, who is also among the five Sikh high priests, had recently levelled serious allegations of corruption within the SGPC. He accused the leadership, particularly the Badal family, of patronising corrupt practices in the management of Sikh institutions. He cited instances of alleged sale of gurdwara lands and misappropriation of SGPC funds.
The controversy deepened after SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami issued a 72-hour notice to Giani Raghbir Singh, asking him to provide evidence supporting his allegations or face disciplinary action. Dhami also sought an apology from the Sikh sangat for incidents of corruption that allegedly occurred during his tenure.
Responding sharply, Giani Raghbir Singh has now challenged Dhami to publicly specify the corruption cases he referred to. He warned that if the SGPC president fails to do so within 72 hours, he would himself place all evidence related to corruption before the Sikh community.
Sources said the confrontation comes at a time when tensions within the SGPC are already high. It is learnt that Giani Raghbir Singh addressed a press conference a day ahead of an SGPC executive meeting, where discussions were expected on his possible removal from the post of Head Granthi.
Earlier, he had been removed from the position of acting Jathedar of the Akal Takht after taking decisions that were reportedly not in line with the interests of the Badal family, which wields significant influence over the SGPC.
The latest exchange of ultimatums has further escalated the crisis, raising questions about transparency and internal functioning within the SGPC. Observers believe that the coming days will be crucial in determining whether the dispute leads to disciplinary action or a wider public disclosure of alleged corruption within the Sikh religious body.