‘Golak’ money spent on ads justifying pardon to dera chief returned

In compliance of the Akal Takht directions, SAD leaders, including Sukhbir Badal, have deposited the ‘golak’ money that was allegedly ‘misutilised’ on publishing advertisements in the media to justify the controversial exoneration granted to the Sirsa-based Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in 2015 in a blasphemy case.

The advertisement published then stated that the decision by the “Panj Singh Sahiban” (five high priests led by Akal Takht Jathedar) was taken after long discussion in the interest of the community and in the light of “Gurmat” (Guru’s principles).

On December 2, after confession by Akali leaders, the Akal Takht had held Sukhbir and six others — Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Sucha Singh Langah, Hira Singh Gabria, Balwinder Singh Bhunder, Gulzar Singh Ranike and Daljit Singh Cheema — responsible for influencing the SGPC to release an amount of around Rs 82 lakh. The Akal Takht had directed them to pay the amount, along with interest, back to the SGPC.

Partap Singh, secretary, SGPC, confirmed that the amount had been received.

SAD senior leader and former minister Maheshinder Singh Grewal said Sukhbir, Langah, Gabaria, Bhunder, Ranike and Cheema have deposited their share of Rs 15.78 lakh each.

It is learnt that Dhindsa was yet to repay his share as he has not completed his ‘tankhah’. Sources said he was running late as he had taken rest for a day. Today, he underwent ‘sewa’ at Takht Damdama Sahib. After completion of the ‘tankhah’ term, he will visit the Akal Takht for ‘ardas’.

Pardoning the Dera Sacha Sauda chief in 2015 was the root cause of the SAD’s turmoil. In 2007, Ram Rahim was accused of wearing an attire akin to the one worn by the 10th Sikh Guru, Gobind Singh, during a religious congregation of the sect at its headquarters in Sirsa, Haryana.

In response to the apology letter by the dera head, the then five high priests — Giani Gurbachan Singh (Akal Takht), Giani Mal Singh (Takht Kesgarh Sahib), Giani Gurmukh Singh (Takht Damdama Sahib), Giani Iqbal Singh (Takht Patna Sahib) and Granthi Ram Singh (Takht Hazoor Sahib in Nanded, Maharashtra) — had pardoned him on September 24, 2015.

Advertisements were published till the then Akal Takht Jathedar revoked the pardon on October 17, 2015.