Punjab political crisis deepens over SGPC harassment allegations

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has intensified political pressure on the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) following allegations of rape and harassment involving a Bahrain-based woman.

An FIR was registered at Anandpur Sahib police station accusing SGPC member and senior SAD vice president Amarjit Singh Chawla of rape, wrongful confinement, and criminal intimidation. Chawla has denied the allegations, claiming they are fabricated, and has reportedly traveled to Canada. A look-out circular has been issued against him.

Controversy has expanded following the release of an unauthenticated audio recording allegedly involving senior Akali leader Virsa Singh Valtoha and the complainant. AAP Punjab media in-charge Baltej Pannu has questioned the SGPC's oversight, noting the woman remained in a religious sarai for eight months, and has raised concerns regarding potential financial irregularities and the silence of SAD leadership regarding the matter.