Punjabi body seeks independent probe into alleged police action at Delhi's Bangla Sahib gurdwara

The North American Punjabi Association (NA) has called for an independent, time-bound inquiry into alleged police action against Sikh devotees at the historic Gurdwara Bangla Sahib in New Delhi during Saturday's protests, raising concerns over the treatment of protesters who reportedly took shelter inside the religious complex.

The association has also sought clarification over a video purportedly showing Delhi Police personnel entering the gurdwara wearing shoes while moving to detain protesters. It urged authorities to examine the complete, unedited footage and all relevant evidence before drawing conclusions about the incident.

Turban removal and treatment of women protesters flagged

NA Executive Director Satnam Singh Chahal said allegations of disrespect towards Sikh religious traditions, forcible removal of turbans and rough handling of women protesters had caused concern among Sikhs in India and overseas.

Chahal stressed that the turban was a significant symbol of Sikh identity, dignity and faith, and said any allegation that it had been forcibly removed during police action warranted serious investigation.

The association also called for a separate examination of allegations that women protesters were mishandled and that police personnel ignored their requests for assistance. It said witnesses and those affected should be heard respectfully and protected against intimidation.

Police explanation on footwear video

The association acknowledged the Delhi Police's responsibility to maintain law and order but maintained that the circumstances surrounding the incident should be established through a fair and impartial investigation.

It also referred to the police clarification that the footage showing personnel wearing shoes had been recorded in a common passage leading to the designated area for removing footwear. NA called for the entire sequence to be examined, rather than relying on isolated footage, to establish what happened inside the premises.

The association said officers found responsible for any unlawful use of force should face strict departmental and legal action.

Appeal to President, Home Ministry and human rights authorities

Chahal appealed to the President, the Union Home Ministry, the Delhi administration and the relevant human rights authorities to ensure a credible investigation and make the action taken public.

He said the objective should be to safeguard religious dignity, uphold the rule of law and ensure that citizens exercising their lawful democratic rights were not mistreated.

The association said the allegations had significance beyond India because the Sikh diaspora shared a deep emotional and spiritual connection with Sikh religious institutions. It added that a transparent inquiry would help address concerns among Sikhs in India and abroad while establishing accountability wherever wrongdoing was found.