169 missing ‘saroops’ of Guru Granth Sahib recovered by SIT, says Mann

In a breakthrough in the probe into the 328 missing ‘saroops’ of the Guru Granth Sahib, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann Wednesday said that 169 sacred copies have been recovered by the Punjab Police Special Investigation Team (SIT).

Adding that “this is not an achievement, but our duty”, Mann said that the SIT has found 169 missing “saroops” from near Banga in Nawanshahr, he said. This comes a day before Mann’s hearing before the Akal Takht.

While addressing a political conference at the Maghi rally, a first for Mann in around 10 years, the CM also announced that a Rs 1,000 monthly financial assistance scheme for every woman in the state would be rolled out in the upcoming budget.

“Of the 169 ‘saroops’ found from a religious place near Banga in Nawanshahr, 139 have no official record. Only 30 ‘saroops’ have a record…,” Mann said after paying homage at Gurdwara Sri Tuti Gandi Sahib, Muktsar.

“Following due “maryada”, these “saroops” will be handed over to Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) as per the directions we get from the Akal Takht,” he said.

A day earlier, the SIT had sought records from the SGPC in connection with their probe into the 328 missing ‘saroops’ case. The SIT on Tuesday formally requested the records from the SGPC offices in both Amritsar and Chandigarh. On Monday, Akal Takht acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj had directed the SGPC to cooperate with the Punjab government over the issue.

Meanwhile, Mann’s Rs 1,000 monthly assistance announcement comes amid criticism from the opposition, who have accused the AAP government of making tall promises at the time of polls, but failing to fulfil them after coming to power.

“The government had honoured every commitment made to the people and would now roll out the women’s assistance scheme, with the required budgetary provision to be ensured. This government is fully committed to the welfare of all, and every promise made to the people of Punjab will be fulfilled,” Mann said.

Hitting out at his rivals, Mann said the AAP, after coming to power, worked to set the system right. “The ‘jhaadu’ (broom), which is the symbol of AAP, has cleaned the political system, and that is why traditional parties are baffled. These leaders are attacking me only because I come from a common family, something they are unable to digest,” he said.

Stressing that people are supreme in a democracy, Mann said the massive turnout at his rally reflects the love and affection people have for his government and its policies. “Other parties are also holding rallies, but Sukhbir Badal’s rally must have ended by now because hardly anyone would have gone there. Even people brought in buses hired by the Akalis had joined the AAP rally,” Mann said, referring to the SAD’s event in Muktsar.

Recalling the historical significance of the sacred site, Mann said the land had witnessed the supreme sacrifice of Sikh warriors led by Bhai Maha Singh ji and that the Sikh Sangat was paying tribute to their martyrdom.

On development, the CM said work on over 49,000 km of roads was progressing at full pace. He added that more than 10,000 new police personnel were being recruited to strengthen the Punjab Police, public libraries had been opened for students, uninterrupted power was being supplied, and 90 percent of households were receiving free electricity.

On healthcare, Mann said 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics had been opened across Punjab, offering free treatment and medicines. He added that the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna would soon be launched to provide cashless treatment of up to Rs 10 lakh.