The Punjab government on Sunday, 19 December, formed a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the alleged sacrilege attempt of Sri Guru Granth Sahib at Golden Temple in Amritsar.
Terming the sacrilege incident as most unfortunate, Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa said that a SIT team under the DCP Law and Order had been constituted and an investigation report will be presented to the government within two days.
Earlier during the day, Randhawa said, "It's an unfortunate incident. It seems that the person came with the target of sacrilege only as he was there for 9-10 hours. He has not been identified yet. We will investigate the matter," he was quoted as saying by ANI.
"In 2018, the state government had passed and sent a proposal to the GoI to make minimum 10 years imprisonment under Sec 295A, to whoever causes injury, damage or sacrilege to Guru Granth Sahib, Bhagwad Geeta, Quran & Bible. I'll write again to GoI regarding it," he added.
Meanwhile, the whole incident has sparked a political controversy in Punjab. Political parties are questioning whether this incident at the Golden Temple is part of a larger conspiracy. The BJP has called for a CBI probe into the matter. Punjab goes to Assembly polls early next year.
CM Channi Asks People to Maintain Communal Harmony
Meanwhile, Punjab CM Charanjit Channi visited the Golden Temple on Sunday and asked the people of the state to maintain peace and communal harmony.
"We appeal to the people of the State to respect and protect the religious centers of all religions, maintain communal harmony. It might be that some bad elements are causing this as Assembly elections are nearing. Our agencies are conducting a probe," he was quoted as saying by ANI.
"State intelligence agencies and the police force is engaged to avert such acts of anti-social elements. People should remain vigilant and extend wholehearted support and cooperation to the government in maintaining law and order," he added.
Earlier, Channi had "directed state police authorities to thoroughly probe into entire matter to zero in at the underlying motive and real conspirators behind this dastardly act," tweeted the CMO Punjab account.
What Had Happened?
On Saturday, 18 December, a man who allegedly attempted to desecrate the Guru Granth Sahib was killed by a mob at the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
The man's alleged attempt to sacrilege took place during Rehras Sahib, the daily evening prayers. It was captured by a Punjabi TV channel that telecasts the proceedings from the temple live.
The man was seen jumping over the railing inside the temple during the evening prayers, trying to touch the sword and holy books, when he was stopped by people. The incident reportedly took place at 5:45 pm.
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