Police Detain Youth Over Alleged Desecration at Golden Temple

A youth has been arrested by the Amritsar police for allegedly desecrating the Golden Temple, a significant religious site for Sikhs. Shubhan Rangrej was taken into custody after a formal complaint was filed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on January 25. The complaint stems from an incident that occurred on January 13, where Rangrej reportedly washed his hands and feet and gargled using water from the Amrit Sarovar, a sacred water body at the temple.

The incident came to public attention on January 16 when a video of his actions circulated widely on social media, prompting significant backlash from various Sikh organizations. These groups expressed outrage and called for a formal investigation, demanding that a First Information Report (FIR) be filed against Rangrej.

Legal Proceedings and Police Investigation

On January 25, Rangrej was presented before the court of Justice Ravinder Rai, who granted a three-day police remand for further questioning. The Amritsar police, led by Assistant Commissioner of Police Jaspal Singh and Inspector Rajinder Singh, indicated that they are working to determine the motive behind Rangrej’s actions.

The police have yet to disclose the specific details surrounding the investigation, which remains ongoing. Authorities have emphasized the need to assess the context of the alleged desecration, as well as any potential implications for community relations.

Rangrej was not made available for media interactions following his court appearance, reportedly due to concerns regarding his safety amid the heightened tensions surrounding the case.

As the investigation progresses, the community remains watchful, reflecting on the broader significance of such actions in a religiously sensitive environment. The Golden Temple, located in Amritsar, Punjab, is one of the most revered sites in Sikhism, drawing millions of visitors each year.