Jathedar Akal Takht raises issue of police encounters with Governor Kataria, urges legal route over gunfire
Babushahi Bureau
Amritsar (Punjab), July 11, 2025:Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj has raised serious concerns over the rising number of police encounters in Punjab, calling for accountability and a return to due legal process.
Speaking to the media after meeting Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and presenting him with a saropa, Jathedar Gargaj said,
“In the past few days, there have been 19 police encounters, and all seem to follow the same narrative — that the accused was being taken for recovery and opened fire. These stories raise questions.”
He expressed deep sorrow over the recent murder of Sanjay Varman in Abohar, calling it a highly condemnable act, but emphasized that the police should not resort to extrajudicial actions.
“No one is above the law. The role of the police should be to arrest and present the accused before the courts, not to deliver justice through the barrel of a gun,” said the Jathedar.
He confirmed that he had shared his concerns about the encounter trend during his meeting with the Governor, urging the administration to ensure legal and transparent investigations in such cases.
In response to a media question, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj also expressed support for a bill on religious conversion, signaling that the issue deserves thoughtful legislation to prevent exploitation under the guise of faith.