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SIT summons Sampla, two retired IAS officers in 2015 Faridkot cases
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JalandharUpdated: Jun 21, 2026 11:48 AM IST Former Union Minister of State and senior BJP leader Vijay Kumar Sampla. (Photo: Facebook/@thevijaysampla)The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing two high-profile 2015 cases linked to the sacrilege incidents in Faridkot district has summoned former Union Minister of State and senior BJP leader Vijay Kumar Sampla, along with two retired IAS officers, to appear before it in Jalandhar on June 22. According to notices issued under Section 179 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), Sampla has been directed to appear before the SIT at 11 am on June 22 at the Gos Mess, PAP Complex, Jalandhar, for examination and recording of his statement.The summons relate to FIR No. 129, dated October 14, 2015, registered at Bajakhana police station under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including attempt to murder, rioting, unlawful assembly and mischief causing damage, besides provisions of the Arms Act and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act. The SIT is also investigating FIR No. 130, dated October 21, 2015, registered under Sections 302, 307 and 34 of the IPC and relevant provisions of the Arms Act. Besides Sampla, the SIT has summoned retired IAS officers Malwinder Singh Jaggi and Gagandeep Singh Brar to appear before it on the same day in connection with the ongoing investigation. In the notice served to Sampla, the SIT said it believed he was acquainted with facts and circumstances relevant to the cases and that his statement was required as part of the investigation. Confirming receipt of the summons, Sampla said he would fully cooperate with the probe. “I am not aware of the cases in which I have been summoned. I respect the law and will cooperate with the investigation. Whenever called by the SIT, I will appear and assist in the probe,” he said.Story continues below this ad The SIT is re-examining various aspects of the 2015 cases, which remain under investigation. Officials have not disclosed the specific reasons for summoning the three individuals, saying only that their statements are required in connection with the probe. The three have been asked to appear before the SIT on June 22, failing which action may be initiated under the relevant provisions of law.
File photo of the Golden Temple in Amritsar.The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) said Friday it is considering disciplinary action after a guard assigned to a post inside the Golden Temple complex was found absent during an alleged attempted sacrilege at Gurdwara Shaheed Baba Gurbaksh Singh Ji. Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj said the accused, identified as Abhijit from Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, entered the sanctum during an Akhand Path at around 2 am on Thursday. “After completing parkarma (circumambulation) of the Guru Granth Sahib, he reportedly picked up the Sri Sahib (sword). Sewadars immediately apprehended him and handed him over to the police,” he added.SGPC action against absent guard The SGPC’s decision to probe its own staff comes after Darbar Sahib manager Major Singh confirmed that the guard posted at the spot was not on duty when the incident occurred. Asked whether a guard had been present, Major Singh admitted: “No, he was outside,” and said the committee was taking internal action over the lapse. Asked if the First Information Report (FIR) has been registered, Major Singh said, “The administration is handling it.” In the absence of a guard, it was a devotee who grabbed the man who allegedly committed sacrilege. Eyewitness Jaspreet Singh, a priest, said the incident occurred between 12 and 12.30 am on Wednesday night during an Akhand Path. He and two other associates were present at the Gurdwara just behind the Sri Akal Takht Sahib building, reciting Gurbani when he noticed the man, clean-shaven and making repeated parkarma around the Guru Granth Sahib. “I had developed a doubt about his gestures, so I was alert. When he put his hand on the Teg (Sword) in front of Guru Granth Sahib Bir, we grabbed him immediately,” Jaspreet Singh said. Kamaldeep Singh Brar is a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express, primarily covering Amritsar and the Majha region of Punjab. He is one of the publication's key reporters for stories involving the Akal Takht, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), and the sensitive socio-political issues of the border districts. Core Beats & Specializations Religious & Panthic Affairs: He has deep expertise in the internal workings of the Akal Takht and SGPC, frequently reporting on religious sentences (Tankhah), Panthic politics, and the influence of Sikh institutions. National Security & Crime: His reporting covers cross-border drug smuggling, drone activities from Pakistan, and the activities of radical groups. Regional Politics: He is the primary correspondent for the Majha belt, covering elections and political shifts in Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Gurdaspur. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His work in late 2025 has been centered on judicial developments, local body elections, and religious controversies: 1. Religious Politics & Akal Takht "Akal Takht pronounces religious sentences against former Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh" (Dec 8, 2025): Covering the historic decision to hold the former Jathedar guilty for granting a pardon to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim in 2015. "YouTube suspends SGPC’s channel for a week over video on 1984 Army action" (Nov 20, 2025): Reporting on the digital friction between global tech platforms and Sikh religious bodies. "As AAP govt grants Amritsar holy tag, a look at its fraught demand" (Nov 28, 2025): An analytical piece on the long-standing demand for declaring Amritsar a "holy city" and its political implications. 2. Crime & National Security "Mostly Khalistanis on Amritpal’s hit list: Punjab govt to High Court" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on the state government's claims regarding jailed MP Amritpal Singh orchestrating activity from prison. "Punjab man with links to Pakistan’s ISI handlers killed in encounter" (Nov 20, 2025): Detailing a police operation in Amritsar involving "newly refurbished" firearms likely sent from across the border.
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