Giani Raghbir Singh counters Giani Harpreet Singh: ‘Let religion guide politics, not politics guide religion’
Babushahi Bureau
Amritsar (Punjab), June 14, 2026: The controversy surrounding the Special Investigation Team’s (SIT) interaction with former Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh intensified on Sunday, with Giani Raghbir Singh launching a sharp counterattack on Giani Harpreet Singh over his criticism of the meeting.
The dispute stems from the SIT probe into the Behbal Kalan firing case and its recent interaction with Giani Raghbir Singh. Giani Harpreet Singh had objected to the development, arguing that religious proceedings and decisions taken at Sri Akal Takht Sahib should not be treated as evidence in legal investigations.
Responding to the criticism, Giani Raghbir Singh said the allegations against him were politically motivated and questioned why his meeting with the SIT was being criticised when similar interactions had taken place in the past.
He stated that the SIT had visited his residence and sought information related to the proceedings conducted at Sri Akal Takht Sahib on December 2, 2024. According to him, he merely informed the investigators that all related proceedings were already available in the public domain, including media reports, social media platforms and records maintained by the Akal Takht Secretariat.
Giani Raghbir Singh further pointed out that the SIT had earlier recorded a statement from Giani Harpreet Singh at his residence in Bathinda during its investigation into the case involving the disappearance of 328 Guru Granth Sahib saroops. He questioned why that interaction was considered acceptable while his own meeting with the investigators was now being challenged.
In a pointed remark, Giani Raghbir Singh said Giani Harpreet Singh appeared to be influenced by politics and advised him to draw guidance from religion while engaging in public affairs rather than becoming entangled in political considerations.
The exchange has added a new layer to the ongoing debate over the role of Sikh religious institutions in legal investigations and has further intensified discussions within Panthic circles.
While the war of words continues, Giani Harpreet Singh has maintained that his objections are centred on religious protocol and institutional principles rather than any personal differences with Giani Raghbir Singh.