Former Akal Takht jathedar expelled for religious misconduct

Amritsar (Punjab), Jan 30 (ANI): Akal Takht, the apex governing body of Sikhs, expelled Gyani Darshan Singh Ragi, a former jathedar from the Sikh community.

Ragi was excommunicated for making discourteous remarks against the tenth spiritual leader Guru Gobind Singh.

The edict was issued after the meeting of top Sikh clergy at Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple). The decision came after prolonged deliberations, headed by Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh, at the Takht's secretariat here.

Sikh clergy termed Gyani Darshan Singh Ragi as a 'Tankhiya' (guilty of religious misconduct in Punjabi language).

Reportedly, he failed to clarify his position before the five jathedars (Sikh Clerics) for his objectionable remarks against Guru Gobind Singh at a congregation in Rochester Gurudwara, New York.

The Sikh clergy also directed the Sikh diaspora not to allow Ragi to address any religious congregation.

Gyani Gurbachan Singh said, "We made an appeal to the Sikh community to boycott him totally. We also appeal that he should not be allowed to address in any Gurudwara or any other religious gathering."

"We will keep vigil and if anyone or any religious body tries to help him, then Akal Takht will take strict action against them," added Singh.

Further he mentioned that Ragi was summoned at Akal Takht secretariat on December 5, January 7 and January 29 to submit his clarification, but he failed to appear.

Singh also accused Ragi of propagating malicious propaganda against the five Sikh high priests. (ANI)