Chandigarh – In a significant development, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced the tracing of 169 ‘saroops’ (volumes) of the Guru Granth Sahib, which had been reported missing from a printing press in Goindwal Sahib. The recovery marks the culmination of a sensitive investigation following allegations of disrespect to the holy scripture.
The controversy erupted after reports surfaced regarding the unaccounted ‘saroops’ from the Guru Granth Sahib printing press. This sparked widespread concern and protests among the Sikh community, prompting the state government to launch a thorough inquiry. Initial investigations revealed discrepancies in the records, leading to suspicions of mismanagement or, more gravely, potential sacrilege.
CM Mann stated that all 169 ‘saroops’ have been successfully located and are in good condition. He assured the Sikh community that the government is committed to maintaining the sanctity of the Guru Granth Sahib and will take all necessary steps to prevent such incidents in the future. The recovered volumes were reportedly found at various locations, including within the press premises itself and at associated storage facilities.
Investigation Details & Accountability
While details of the investigation are still emerging, officials have indicated that the discrepancies stemmed from a lack of proper record-keeping and oversight at the printing press. The press, a historically significant institution responsible for printing the Guru Granth Sahib, had reportedly struggled with maintaining accurate inventory due to increased demand and logistical challenges. However, the government has emphasized that no deliberate act of disrespect was found.
The CM further announced that the recovered ‘saroops’ will be personally handed over to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex religious body of the Sikhs, with full respect and protocol. This gesture is intended to reassure the community and demonstrate the government’s commitment to working in harmony with religious authorities.
SGPC officials have welcomed the recovery and the government’s decision to return the ‘saroops’ to their custody. They have also expressed their willingness to cooperate with the government in implementing measures to improve the security and management of the Guru Granth Sahib at the printing press and other religious sites. The SGPC has long been the custodian of Sikh shrines and religious texts, and its involvement is crucial in ensuring the proper handling of the recovered volumes.
The incident has prompted calls for stricter regulations and greater transparency in the printing and distribution of the Guru Granth Sahib. Religious leaders and community members have suggested implementing a centralized tracking system and conducting regular audits to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The Punjab government is expected to consider these recommendations as it works to strengthen the safeguards surrounding the holy scripture. The focus now shifts to ensuring a smooth and respectful handover to the SGPC and implementing long-term solutions to prevent future concerns.
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