Akal Takht (Eternal Throne; AT) Jathedar (leader) Giani Raghbir Singh condemned the Haryana government for repeatedly granting parole to Dera (sect) Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim, calling it unjust given Sikh prisoners are languishing in jails despite completing sentences (read more). On this parole, Ram Rahim, serving 20 years for rape, was allowed to stay at his Sirsa headquarters ahead of the 5 Feb Delhi polls, provoking fears from former Panjab police Inspector General Ranbir Singh Khatra that he could influence witnesses in pivotal 2015 sacrilege and 2017 Maur blast cases. Security around the Sirsa headquarters has intensified, with multiple checkpoints and restricted access for devotees. Meanwhile, Damdami Taksal (Sikh seminary) chief Harnam Singh Dhumma triggered another controversy by participating in Hindu rituals including taking a holy dip in river Ganges at the Hindu religious Maha KumbhMela (huge gathering, MKM). This drew criticism from Sikh leaders who say such actions dilute Sikh distinctiveness. Dhuma had earlier expressed support for the Bharatiya Janata Party during the recent Maharashtra elections. Meanwhile, a stampede occurred at the MKM on 29 Jan new moon night, claiming dozens of lives when devotees surged toward ‘sacred’ river waters. Opposition parties said the event was mismanaged and demanded accountability. Reports later surfaced about two additional stampedes the same night, with critics saying the real death toll has been concealed. Some victims’ relatives blamed the administration for insufficient crowd controls and ‘VIP culture’ that restricted certain areas, causing bottlenecks. A Hindu godman Dhirendra Shastri claimed, ‘Those who have died at the Kumbh have attained moksha (salvation).’ Questions have arisen about repeated tragedies at large-scale religious events, including inadequate preparation, inadequate official acknowledgment of death toll, and the prioritization of high-profile attendees over public safety.
Like what you're reading? Subscribe to our top stories.
Liv Forum provides a digest of analysis on major issues facing Indian (East) Panjab and Sikhs globally.
In accordance with our Privacy Policy, we will never share or sell the information of our subscribers.
