Bullet hits SUV parked outside ex-Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh's Amritsar home, probe on

A bullet struck the bonnet of a Punjab Police SUV parked outside the residence of former Akal Takht jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh in Amritsar’s Pratap Nagar on August 12, according to police officials. The incident was discovered on August 13 when the vehicle’s driver noticed a bullet mark while cleaning the car. Initial investigations by authorities have ruled out the possibility of an intentional attack, though further inquiries continue. A .32-bore bullet was recovered from the vehicle, and police are examining whether the shooting was deliberate or accidental. The occurrence took place amid heightened tensions in Sikh religious circles, following an attack on Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal at Takht Hazur Sahib in Nanded, Maharashtra, earlier in the week. Giani Raghbir Singh, who resides at his personal home in Amritsar, stated that the bullet impact was recorded on CCTV cameras installed near his property. The footage appears to show a young man riding a scooter near the house before speaking on a mobile phone at a nearby intersection. The individual’s identity and motives remain under investigation. Police have also noted other individuals on bicycles in the area, whom they are questioning for possible involvement. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP-East) Rainder Singh explained that the angle of the bullet suggested it did not come from a horizontal direction, indicating that the shot likely originated from above. An empty cartridge was found at the scene, prompting investigators to consider whether the gunfire was aimed directly at the vehicle or resulted from an aerial shot. Despite these findings, no direct threats or calls have been reported against Giani Raghbir Singh, although he mentioned past incidents involving attempts to damage his vehicle or push it into a ditch, which were not taken seriously at the time. Giani Raghbir Singh, who retired from public service, continues to reside at his private home and maintains his security arrangements despite having stepped down from active roles. In December 2024, he led a group of Sikh clergy to issue a religious punishment known as 'tankhah' against Sukhbir Singh Badal, demanding his resignation as SAD leader and initiating internal elections within the party. This action followed accusations that the Badal family had harmed Sikh religious sentiments for political gain. Additionally, the SGPC revoked Giani Raghbir Singh’s position as head granthi of Sachkhand Harmandar Sahib shortly after he publicly criticized the Badal family during a press conference in Jalandhar. His recent actions have placed him in a complex political landscape, as he has maintained a friendly relationship with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. Despite the Akal Takht’s opposition to the anti-sacrilege law, Giani Raghbir Singh supported its enactment. His alignment with the AAP contrasts with his earlier stance against the ruling SAD leadership, highlighting the shifting dynamics within Sikh religious and political spheres. As the investigation unfolds, the broader implications of his actions and the ongoing security concerns surrounding his home will likely remain subjects of scrutiny.