Kesgarh Sahib sanctity ‘violation’: Police book accused under UAPA

Tribune News Service

Anandpur Sahib, September 16

A day after SGPC chief Bibi Jagir Kaur raised the demand for slapping the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in the sanctity “violation” case, the district police have booked Paramjit Singh, arrested on Monday for allegedly smoking at Takth Sri Kesgarh Sahib, under the stringent law.

As the four-day police custody of the accused was to end today, he was produced in a local court, which sent him to another five days in police remand.

Also read: Ludhaina man arrested for violating Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib sanctity

Ropar SSP Vivek Sheel Soni said Paramjit was earlier booked under Section 295A (deliberate act intended to outrage religious feelings) of the IPC. Now, Sections 18 (punishment for conspiracy) of the UAPA; and 153 (provocation with intent to cause riot) and 153 A (wanton vilification or attack on religion), 436 (mischief by fire or explosive substance) and 511 (offences punishable with imprisonment for life) of the IPC have been included in the FIR.

Under the UAPA, the accused charged for organising or causing to organise any camp or camps for imparting training in terrorism is punishable with imprisonment for a term not less than five years, which may extend to imprisonment for life.

Akal Takht acting Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh, after returning from his Britain visit, today visited the town to take stock of the situation. Meanwhile, Bibi Jagir Kaur today congratulated Ameer Singh on becoming

the president of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee.