Missing saroops: SGPC questions SIT functioning, alleges interference

Amritsar: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has raised objections over the functioning of the special investigation team (SIT) constituted by the Punjab govt to probe the case of 328 missing saroops of the Granth Sahib.In a statement issued here on Tuesday, the SGPC president, Harjinder Singh Dhami, alleged that the SIT was going beyond its jurisdiction and unnecessarily interfering in the internal and administrative affairs of the SGPC."Under the guise of investigation, attempts are being made to undermine the constitutional status of the Sikh community's premier religious institution, which cannot be accepted under any circumstances," said Dhami.He claimed that the SGPC, from the very beginning, cooperated with the investigation team with complete sincerity and transparency.Keeping the Akal Takht's directives in view, the SGPC provided every possible piece of information and assistance to the SIT. However, instead of appreciating this cooperation, the SIT has made the SGPC's administrative and internal matters part of its agenda, said Dhami.He also claimed that the SIT continuously sought information that had no connection whatsoever with the case of the 328 holy saroops.The SIT has now sought details regarding agreements signed over a long period in the past with private channels, ETC and G Next Media, concerning Gurbani Kirtan broadcast, despite these having no relation to the case, he added.Dhami also claimed that the information already submitted to the SIT was repeatedly being sought again through fresh letters.