SGPC files FIR against Muslim youth over ‘beadbi’ at Golden Temple in Amritsar; accused arrested in Ghaziabad
PTC Web Desk: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has formally lodged a police complaint against a youth accused of committing beadbi at Sri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar after a video showing him rinsing his mouth in the sacred sarovar went viral on social media. Meanwhile, the Ghaziabad police have arrested the accused and initiated legal proceedings.
SGPC legal advisor Amanbir Singh Siali confirmed that the complaint was submitted to the police after an internal inquiry concluded that the youth had entered the Golden Temple complex with an alleged intent to disrespect Sikh religious sanctity. The inquiry found that the youth remained inside the premises for nearly 20 minutes but did not offer prayers.
The controversy erupted after a video reel surfaced online showing the youth sitting near the holy sarovar, dipping his feet into the water and allegedly rinsing his mouth multiple times, with water falling back into the sarovar. The video was uploaded with an objectionable caption, further inflaming religious sentiments.
In another video, the youth claimed that despite wearing a cap among turbaned devotees, no one objected to his presence. SGPC officials, however, noted that videography inside the Golden Temple complex is strictly prohibited and questioned the role of sewadars deployed at the site.
The issue gained momentum amid criticism that the SGPC had delayed action, with comparisons being drawn to previous cases where individuals were booked for violating religious discipline within the shrine premises.
Meanwhile, Nihang Sikh groups, expressing dissatisfaction over the lack of immediate legal action, submitted a separate complaint in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, stating that the act had deeply hurt Sikh religious sentiments. They stressed that legal recourse was chosen to avoid allegations of taking the law into their own hands.
Acting on the complaints and preliminary inquiry, the Ghaziabad Police arrested the accused youth, a resident of Delhi. Police officials said further investigation is underway and appropriate sections of law will be invoked based on evidence.
Following public outrage, the youth had earlier released two apology videos, claiming ignorance of Sikh religious customs and stating that water fell from his mouth accidentally during wuzu. However, Sikh organisations rejected the apologies, citing non-adherence to Sikh maryada.
SGPC officials stated that the matter will now be pursued strictly as per law to safeguard the sanctity of Sri Harmandir Sahib and maintain religious discipline.
- PTC NEWS
