Sarbjeet
Jammu Tawi, October 8: Police have arrested a man accused of desecrating Sri Guru Granth Sahib at a gurdwara in Kaulpur village of Samba district, officials said on Wednesday.
According to police sources, the accused, identified as Manjit Singh alias Billa, a resident of Kaulpur, allegedly used inflammable oil to set fire to the holy-scripture late on Tuesday night. The incident triggered widespread outrage among members of the Sikh community.
A case has been registered under relevant sections of law, and further investigation is underway, a police officer said. The accused was reportedly apprehended from Nagrota following a swift police operation after his identity was established through CCTV footage from the gurdwara premises.
Protests and Tension in the Area
As news of the incident spread, tension gripped Kaulpur village and nearby areas. Members of the Sikh community staged protests and blocked the Kaulpur border road to express their anger.
Local sources said that in the aftermath of the incident, an agitated mob razed the accused’s house to ground. Police and district administration teams were deployed in the area to maintain law and order.
Religious Leaders Visit the Site
Senior Sikh leaders, including Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Kuldeep Singh, and officials from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Amritsar, visited the site to inspect the desecrated premises and review the situation.
SGPC members, including Ajaib Singh Abhishek and Secretary Pratap Singh, condemned the act, describing it as “highly deplorable” and urged authorities to ensure strict punishment for those responsible. The ‘Agni Bhet Sarupa’ of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji was respectfully taken into possession by representatives of the SGPC to Amritsar.
Former Minister Manjit Singh termed the incident “highly condemnable” and alleged that it “appears to be a conspiracy aimed at disturbing communal harmony.”
District Development Council (DDC) member Taranjit Singh Tony also condemned the act, stating that those involved in such incidents “are against the spirit of brotherhood” and must face appropriate legal action.
Police officials confirmed that the accused has been arrested and that investigations are in progress to ascertain the motive and whether others were involved. Security in the area has been strengthened to prevent any further escalation.
