Bahrain Woman Case: Who sent Rs 1 lakh from SGPC Secretary’s account? asks Baltej Pannu
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, September 29, 2026: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab media in-charge Baltej Pannu on Tuesday alleged that ₹1 lakh was transferred in July from an account linked to the SGPC Secretary to the bank account of a Bahrain-based woman, and demanded that Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami explain the purpose and authorisation of the transaction.
Pannu raised the allegation while questioning the handling of the controversy surrounding the woman’s prolonged stay at an SGPC-run sarai at Sri Anandpur Sahib. The woman has alleged rape and wrongful confinement against former Shiromani Akali Dal leader and SGPC member Amarjit Singh Chawla. An FIR in the case was registered on August 21.
Addressing a press conference, Pannu questioned why senior Shiromani Akali Dal leaders, including Sukhbir Singh Badal, Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Bikram Singh Majithia, as well as Dhami, had not publicly addressed the questions being raised over the woman’s stay and the alleged use of SGPC resources.
“On July 23, 2026, ₹1 lakh was transferred from an account in the name of the SGPC Secretary at Punjab National Bank to the account of the woman from Bahrain,” Pannu alleged. He demanded that the SGPC clarify who authorised the payment, its purpose and under which accounting head it was made.
Pannu also sought a complete account of the expenses allegedly incurred during the woman’s stay, including accommodation, food, travel and other facilities.
He questioned how the woman was accommodated at an SGPC-run sarai for several months and who arranged the accommodation, vehicle, driver and other facilities. Similar questions about the woman’s stay and the use of SGPC facilities have previously been raised by political leaders and Sikh organisations.
Pannu Questions SGPC Inquiry Committee
Pannu also questioned the four-member inquiry committee constituted by the SGPC, arguing that an independent inquiry by a retired judge or senior police officer would be more appropriate.
He questioned whether the committee would examine the alleged roles of senior office-bearers and political leaders named during the controversy.
The SGPC has said that its sub-committee is examining the matter and that a report is expected within 15 days. Sikh organisations have separately demanded an independent probe, including an inquiry headed by a retired judge.
Pannu said the questions surrounding the case would not disappear simply because an inquiry committee had been given a fixed period to submit its report.
He also questioned the alleged roles of Youth Akali Dal leader Sarabjit Singh Jhinjer and former Akali leader Virsa Singh Valtoha in bringing the woman to Punjab and arranging her stay. Jhinjer has denied allegations against him and has demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter.
Demand for Financial Accountability
Pannu said the SGPC should disclose the complete expenditure connected with the woman’s stay if its resources were used.
He argued that the SGPC, as a religious institution supported by offerings from devotees, should provide transparency regarding the use of its funds.
Pannu also questioned Sukhbir Singh Badal and Harjinder Singh Dhami over what they allegedly knew about the woman’s stay and whether any complaint was brought to their notice.
The AAP leader further questioned why SGPC elections had not been held for several years and raised broader concerns over the functioning and accountability of the institution.
The allegations and counter-allegations come amid an ongoing controversy over the woman’s complaint against Amarjit Singh Chawla and questions surrounding her stay at the SGPC-run accommodation. The allegations against Chawla and others remain subject to investigation.