Chandigarh: Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday assured a delegation of the ‘Dharam Yudh Morcha,’ led by Gurpreet Singh Khalsa, that the state govt will ensure a swift, transparent investigation into the alleged sexual assault involving a former SGPC member at Sri Anandpur Sahib.He said a special investigation team (SIT) is being constituted immediately to ensure the strictest action is taken against those found responsible, following repeated representations by Sikh institutions demanding a thorough probe.Mann also reiterated the state govt’s commitment to holding the long-pending Shiromani gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) elections without further delay and to resolving all issues concerning the Sikh Panth through timely action and due legal process.The chief minister also posted on X: “Held a meeting in Chandigarh with Gurpreet Singh Khalsa, leader of the ‘Dharam Yudh Morcha’ currently underway in Batala. We held a discussion on important issues concerning the Sikh Panth. We are fully committed to ensuring that the long-pending elections to the SGPC, which have remained stalled for several years, are held at the earliest without any further delay. Expressing sorrow over the tragic incident that took place at Sri Anandpur Sahib, I assured that an SIT would be constituted immediately for an in-depth investigation into the matter. The investigation will be completed at the earliest, and the strictest possible action will be ensured against those responsible.”Mann said, “The state govt will ensure that the investigation is conducted in a fair, transparent and time-bound manner. The law will take its course and no person, irrespective of position or influence, will be allowed to interfere with the process of justice. The constitution of the SIT will help expedite the investigation and ensure that all relevant aspects of the case are thoroughly examined.”“After completion of the investigation, strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty in accordance with law. It is extremely unfortunate that this heinous crime against humanity, especially against a woman, has taken place at Sri Anandpur Sahib. Exemplary punishment will be ensured for the perpetrator of this crime,” he said.
