Chandigarh, Jan 4 (NationPress) In a deeply significant development, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Punjab Police has confirmed the apprehension of two suspects in the case concerning the 328 missing sacred 'saroops' of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. This announcement was made on Sunday.

The police executed search operations at 14 locations, leading to the confiscation of mobile devices, computers, and various incriminating financial records and documents.

A spokesperson for the SIT stated that a total of 16 individuals have been named in the First Information Report (FIR) filed in Amritsar.

Out of these, two accused have reportedly passed away, while investigations are ongoing for the remaining 14.

The arrested individuals, Satinder Kohli and Kanwaljit Singh, also known as Kawaljit Singh, were former employees of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).

According to the spokesperson, Kawaljit Singh was taken into custody on January 3 and is believed to have had a direct involvement in serious irregularities concerning the maintenance and handling of religious scriptures, as well as the unauthorized preparation or storage of these scriptures.

Search operations targeted 14 sites across Punjab and Chandigarh, including two in Chandigarh and eight in Amritsar. The raids resulted in the seizure of seven mobile phones, three tablets, two laptops, one storage device, along with crucial financial documentation.

These seized electronic devices will undergo forensic analysis, and the financial documents are currently under investigation, particularly payments made by companies linked to various individuals, including politicians.

The SIT has been conducting its inquiries in a systematic and meticulous manner. Further searches and arrests are expected to follow.

Last week, the SIT made a breakthrough by arresting the primary suspect, Satinder Kohli, a former chartered accountant with the SGPC, marking a pivotal moment in the quest for accountability in this sensitive issue.

Following the arrest, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) state chief spokesperson and MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal highlighted that the investigation has reached a crucial phase, with tangible actions being taken.

Dhaliwal described this as a long-anticipated moment of justice for the Sikh community, stating, "Today signifies a major victory for the Sikh 'sangats', one they have been seeking for the past four to five years.

Under the directions of the High Court, the SIT apprehended Satinder Singh Kohli from a hotel in Chandigarh. Kohli is the main suspect in the missing 'saroops' case and was serving as the chartered accountant with the SGPC at the time, as he stated.

Reflecting on the prolonged struggle for justice, Dhaliwal mentioned that Sikh 'sangats' have been actively advocating for accountability, organizing protests and demonstrations.

"For several years, Sikh 'sangats' have been vocal and have staged protests demanding justice in this case. A major mobilization was also led by the esteemed 'kirtankar' Bhai Baldev Singh Wadala. The arrest of Satinder Kohli, the main accused, is particularly significant," he said.

Reaffirming the government's commitment, Dhaliwal assured that strict actions would be taken against all individuals involved. "I want to assure the Sikh sangat that all 16 accused responsible for the disappearance of the sacred 'saroops' of Sri Guru Granth Sahib will be apprehended and penalized. This is the firm pledge of the Punjab government, and no guilty party will evade justice," he added.

This investigation was initiated under the direction of the Punjab and Haryana High Court while addressing a petition concerning the disappearance of the 328 sacred 'saroops'.

"The High Court mandated an investigation into this matter, leading the Punjab Police to file an FIR against 16 individuals and to form a Special Investigation Team to delve into the case," stated another AAP spokesperson, Baltej Pannu, during a media briefing.