Baba Santa Singh cremated amidst tight security

Patiala, May 9 (UNI) Baba Santa Singh, the 13th chieftain of the Budha Dal sect of the Nihang Sikhs, was cremated here this afternoon amidst tight security.

Baba Santa Singh died yesterday at Local Rajindra Hospital after prolonged illness.

His successor, the 14th chief of sect, Baba Singh lit the pyre at Gaamgarh Chawani at Sular road. The head granthi of Drabar Sahib Amritsar Gyani Gurbachan Singh performed the ardas.

The Deputy Commissioner Patiala DS Grewal and Prof Prem Singh Chandumajra placed wreaths on behalf of Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal.

Several Sikh leaders attended the funeral including Jathedar of takhat Damdama Sahib Gyani Balwant Singh Nangarh, SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar, Harnam Singh Dhuman of Damadami Taksal, MP Tarlocahn Singh, MLA Braham Mohindra.

Meanwhile, a police party, led by SP (detective) GS Chuohan, did not allow the group of about 250 Nihang Sikhs, led by Joginder Singh and Baksheesh Singh to have a last look of Baba in Bagichi (rest place of Nihangs) near Modi College.

DIG (Patiala range) Paramjit Singh Gill, agreed to take them for last look of Baba in groups of ten but they declined. They were taken to Gurwara Moti Bagh where they performed ardas for Baba.

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