A Sikh activist Tejinder Pal Singh Timma has been booked under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan for displaying the portrait of Shaheed Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale during a religious procession taken out in the city.
The case was registered in Kotwali Police station of Sri Ganganagar under section 295 (injuring or defiling a place of worship with intent to insult the religion of any class), 153 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause a riot—if rioting be committed—if not committed), 153-A (indulge in wanton vilification or attacks upon the religion, race, place of birth, residence, language etc of any particular group or class or upon the founders and prophets of a religion) and 153-B (Whoever commits an offence specified in sub-section) of IPC.
Speaking to The Sikh Narrative, Tejinder Pal Singh Timma informed that there was a three-day gurmat samagam at Gurdwara Baba Deep Singh in the city and a Khalsa March or nagar kirtan was also taken out in the area. Portraits of our martyrs including Sant Bhindranwale were displayed by sangat at the procession, which is no offence. Yet, the Police took action against me”.
Even though no FIR was ever registered against Sant Bhindranwale, he is dubbed as the “dreaded terrorist” in the FIR registered against him. And the religious procession is termed as “anti-national” activity aimed at “disintegrating the country”.
The illegitimate action taken by the Police has enraged the Sikhs of the area and demanded the revocation of the FIR against Tejinder Pal Singh Timma, who is known for rendering tireless service to Khalsa Panth.
Scanned copies of FIR:
FIR-for-displaying-Sant-Bhindranwales-photo-during-Nagar-Kirtan
FIR-for-displaying-Sant-Bhindranwales-photo-during-Nagar-Kirtan-1
