Amritsar, Jan 14 — Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday said that 169 missing ‘saroops’ of the Guru Granth Sahib have been traced during a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe, calling it a matter of duty rather than political credit.
Speaking at AAP’s Maghi rally, Mann said the sacred volumes were found at a religious site near Banga, where official records existed for only 30 copies.
“The SIT found 169 ‘saroops’ lying there, but the register had entries for just 30,” Mann said.
“Neither the SGPC nor those managing the place had any proper documentation.”
He said the government would formally hand over the recovered ‘saroops’ to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) for installation at appropriate gurdwaras.
“This is not an achievement for us to boast about — it is our responsibility,” the chief minister said.
The recovery comes days after Akal Takht’s officiating Jathedar, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, directed the SGPC to cooperate with the Punjab government’s SIT investigating the disappearance of 328 ‘saroops’.
The directive overturned an earlier decision of the five Sikh high priests, who had asked the SGPC not to share information with the state authorities.
“The SGPC must extend full cooperation to the SIT so the truth about the missing ‘saroops’ can come out,” Gargaj said in his order.
Before addressing the rally, Mann paid obeisance at a historic gurdwara and paid tribute to the 40 ‘muktas’.
“People have come here not for politics alone but to bow before Guru Sahib,” he said.
However, the chief minister also used the platform to mount a political attack on previous governments.
“They want power back, but we have given jobs, ensured 24×7 electricity and are preparing a ₹10 lakh insurance cover for people,” Mann told the gathering, adding that ₹1,000 a month for women would be announced in the next Punjab budget.
He targeted SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal and Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, but did not mention the BJP.
The rally was attended by AAP leader Manish Sisodia, Cabinet ministers and senior party functionaries. Mann’s mother Harpal Kaur was also on stage.
AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal was not present.