Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal may face increased difficulties following statements recorded before the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is probing the Behbal Kalan firing incident and cases related to the sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Former Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Raghbir Singh, has recorded his statement before the SIT.
In his statement to the SIT, former Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh said that Sukhbir Singh Badal had admitted responsibility for the Behbal Kalan firing incident before the Akal Takht Sahib. He stated that a video recording of this admission is in the possession of the Akal Takht Sahib. He further alleged that, as part of a conspiracy, orders were issued to open fire on unarmed and innocent people, and the entire sequence of events related to this is part of the official record.
Meanwhile, after recording his statement with the SIT, former Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh said that officials questioned him regarding the sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and the associated events of December 2, 2014. He informed the SIT that five Singh Sahibans were present at the time and that details of the entire matter are available on record. He noted that the conversation took place in the presence of media personnel, TV channels, newspapers, and the gathered *Sangat* (congregation). A large number of people watched and heard it live, and the record remains available today.
Giani Raghbir Singh provided information regarding those responsible. He stated that he verbally conveyed all details to the SIT, explaining that the individuals concerned had admitted their responsibility and fault at the time. He remarked that had they not been at fault, they could have denied it, but instead, they had acknowledged it. Responding to a question regarding legal action, he stated that the relevant authorities would decide on the punishment or subsequent procedures, whereas his own mandate was to take action in accordance with religious decorum. Addressing a query about an earlier statement by Sukhbir Singh Badal, he remarked that the statement should be viewed in the context in which it was made—specifically, his offer to take full responsibility for the matter and bring it to a close.
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**Five SITs have investigated the matter so far**
Five separate Special Investigation Teams (SITs) have been constituted to date to investigate the Behbal Kalan firing incident and the sacrilege cases. Following the incident in 2015, the Faridkot Police formed the first SIT. Later, the investigation was handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), but the agency eventually returned the case to the state government.
Subsequently, in 2018, an SIT led by IG Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh made significant progress and filed a charge sheet against seven accused; however, in April 2021, the Punjab and Haryana High Court quashed the report and actions of this SIT, citing technical and other grounds.
In 2019, an SIT led by ADGP Pramod Kumar filed five charge sheets regarding the Bargari sacrilege and firing incidents. In May 2021, acting on High Court directives, a new SIT led by ADGP L.K. Yadav was constituted to investigate the Kotkapura firing incident.
Meanwhile, following the resignation of IG Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh, the Punjab government formed a new SIT led by ADGP Naunihal Singh to investigate the Behbal Kalan firing incident; this team is currently investigating the matter. The statements of former Jathedars Giani Raghbir Singh and Giani Harpreet Singh have been recorded before this very SIT.
