Justice Buried for 3.5 Years.. Pargat Singh Exposes AAP-Akali-BJP Nexus Protecting Dera Chief in Punjab Sacrilege Case

Chandigarh(The Uttam Hindu): Congress MLA and AICC Secretary Padma Shri Pargat Singh today held a press conference in Chandigarh, raising serious concerns over the Punjab government’s intent and the prolonged delay in delivering justice in the 2015 sacrilege cases. He reminded that when the Congress formed the government in 2017, it had made a clear promise to ensure justice, and took concrete steps in that direction.

Pargat Singh demanded that both Shiromani Akali Dal and the BJP clarify their stance on the sacrilege issue. “The BJP repeatedly defends the Dera chief—does this mean they don’t consider him guilty?” he asked.

He further said, “Instead of protesting against me, the Akali Dal should stage protests outside the residence of CM Bhagwant Mann, whose AAP government has failed to deliver justice even after three and a half years. Another protest should be held outside Sukhbir Badal’s house, who continues to politicize this issue just to keep it unresolved.”

Pargat Singh also clarified the Congress party’s position, asserting that it took serious action when in power. The Congress government had constituted the Justice Ranjit Singh Commission and launched the investigation. Rahul Gandhi personally visited Punjab and assured the people that justice would be served. When there was a slowdown in action, the Congress replaced its Chief Minister and accelerated the SIT probe.

However, after the Aam Aadmi Party came to power, case files were suppressed. For over two and a half years, prosecution sanction was not granted against Dera chief Ram Rahim. Repeated questions were raised in the Vidhan Sabha, but the government remained silent. Not a single AAP MLA out of 95 ever raised their voice on this matter. Pargat Singh revealed that cases against Dera followers were transferred outside Punjab under a conspiracy involving AAP, and even senior advocate H.S. Phoolka publicly exposed this plot.

He further stated that when former CM Captain Amarinder Singh compromised with the Badal family and allowed the investigation to be derailed, a group of justice-seeking Congress MLAs approached the party high command and ensured the leadership was changed.

SIT Probe Accelerated During Channi’s Tenure

During his short 100-day tenure, CM Charanjit Singh Channi took serious steps on the matter.

• In November 2021, the SIT interrogated the Dera chief at Sunaria Jail

• The team visited again in December

• In January 2022, a supplementary challan was filed in Faridkot court against the Dera chief

• On March 2, 2022, the SIT again visited Sunaria Jail

Bhagwant Mann Shelved File as Home Minister

Pargat Singh stated that after the AAP government assumed office in May 2022, the file seeking prosecution sanction against the Dera chief was submitted to CM Bhagwant Mann, who also holds the Home portfolio. “I personally met him in December 2022 regarding the matter,” he said. “I have raised this issue three times in the Assembly, yet nothing was done.”

Sukhbir Badal Never Named the Dera Chief

Pargat Singh strongly criticized Shiromani Akali Dal, stating, “Sukhbir Badal has not named the Dera chief even once because his only concern is saving his Bathinda seat—not securing justice for the sacrilege of Guru Sahib.”

He also stated that in the 2015 sacrilege cases, there was an attempt to falsely implicate Sikh youth. Holding the BJP directly responsible, Pargat Singh said, “The BJP must clarify its stand. It has always worked against Punjab’s interests. Even Akali Dal president Sukhbir Badal avoided calling the Dera chief guilty because of BJP’s influence.”

Why Are AAP Leaders Silent Now?

Pargat Singh questioned why prominent AAP leaders such as Aman Arora, Harpal Cheema, and Kultar Sandhwan are silent today. “These are the same people who once demanded justice within three months. Why is no AAP MLA speaking up for Guru Sahib’s justice now?” He concluded with a strong message:

“This is not just a political matter—it is a question of our faith, our identity, and our deep pain. Punjab’s soul will not find peace until the guilty are punished.”

Sacrilege Conspiracy Began Under Akali Dal Rule

Pargat Singh traced the origins of the sacrilege issue back to the Akali Dal’s rule. “In 2007, the Dera chief impersonated Guru Sahib. In 2012, just days before the elections, the Akali dal filed a cancellation report. In 2014, the Dera chief was discharged from the case. That’s when the sacrilege conspiracy began,” he said. “In June 2015, the holy Bir of Guru Sahib was stolen. Despite suspicion falling on Dera followers, the Badal family orchestrated a pardon through the Jathedars. Then came the posters, followed by repeated acts of sacrilege.”