Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Vows Justice In Sacrilege Cases, Targets Akalis Over Bargari, Behbal Kalan

Last Updated:June 17, 2026, 22:50 IST

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann vows justice in 2015 sacrilege and firing cases, highlights new anti sacrilege law, attacks Shiromani Akali Dal, and announces monthly aid for women.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday reiterated his government’s commitment to delivering justice in the state’s high-profile sacrilege cases, saying those responsible for the incidents would be brought to justice and punished.

Addressing a ‘Lok Milni’ public interaction programme in Hoshiarpur district, Mann said the 2015 sacrilege incidents at Bargari and the subsequent police firing at Behbal Kalan and Kotkapura continue to haunt Punjab, particularly the Sikh community.

“The incidents of beadbi at Bargari and the firing incidents at Behbal Kalan and Kotkapura bruised the conscience of every Punjabi, especially the Sikh Sangat. These wounds are still fresh in the minds of the people," Mann said.

“I want to assure every Punjabi that justice will prevail and those responsible for these heinous crimes will not be spared," he added.

Anti-Sacrilege Law A Deterrent

The Chief Minister said his government had enacted the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Act, 2026, aimed at imposing stringent punishment for sacrilege-related offences.

“We have enacted the anti-sacrilege law, which provides strict punishment for beadbi. This law will ensure that no one dares to commit such an unpardonable offence in future," Mann said.

Calling Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji the spiritual guide and father figure for Sikhs, Mann said protecting its sanctity was a collective responsibility.

“If a government cannot safeguard the honour of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, then it fails in its most fundamental responsibility towards society," he said.

Akalis In Crosshairs

Mann also launched a sharp attack on the Shiromani Akali Dal, under whose government the 2015 sacrilege incidents took place.

“Those who sought votes in the name of Gurbani failed to protect the sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. They used religion for political gains and the people of Punjab have not forgotten the pain caused by the incidents that occurred during their rule," he said.

Referring to claims of development made by previous governments, Mann said Punjab could never forget the Bargari, Behbal Kalan and Kotkapura episodes.

“Punjab can never forget those painful chapters. The sins committed against the people and against Punjab’s social fabric can never be erased," he said.

Remembering 2015

The sacrilege controversy erupted in 2015 after a copy of the Guru Granth Sahib was allegedly stolen from a gurdwara in Burj Jawahar Singh Wala village in Faridkot district. Subsequently, torn pages of the holy book were found scattered in nearby Bargari village, triggering widespread outrage and protests across Punjab.

The protests culminated in police firing at Behbal Kalan and Kotkapura in October 2015, leaving two protesters dead and several others injured.

‘Punjab Has Suffered Enough’

Mann also reflected on Punjab’s turbulent history, saying the state had endured repeated setbacks since Partition and should not be held back any longer.

“Punjab was devastated during Partition in 1947, suffered again in 1984 and then endured years of loot and exploitation under successive governments. We cannot allow Punjab’s progress to be halted anymore," he said.

The Chief Minister urged Punjab’s youth to build their futures within the state rather than looking abroad for opportunities.

“No young person should feel compelled to dream only of Canada, America or other foreign countries. We are creating opportunities here in Punjab," he said.

Welfare Push

Highlighting his government’s welfare initiatives, Mann said women above 18 years of age from Scheduled Caste communities would receive ₹1,500 per month under the Mavaan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, while women from other categories would receive ₹1,000 monthly assistance.

“This support is a mark of respect for our mothers and daughters," he said.

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