'Wounds Still Fresh': Bhagwant Mann Vows Justice In Punjab Sacrilege Cases

Published 17 June 2026 · india

'Wounds Still Fresh': Bhagwant Mann Vows Justice In Punjab Sacrilege Cases Published By, Last Updated: June 17, 2026, 22:54 IST Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann vows

'Wounds Still Fresh': Bhagwant Mann Vows Justice In Punjab Sacrilege Cases Published By, Last Updated: June 17, 2026, 22:54 IST Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann vows justice in 2015 sacrilege and firing cases, highlights new anti sacrilege law, attacks Shiromani Akali Dal, and announces monthly aid for women. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann (IMAGE: PTI FILE) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday reiterated his government’s commitment to delivering justice in the state’s high-profile sacrilege cases, saying those responsible for the incidents would be brought to justice and punished. Addressing a ‘Lok Milni’ public interaction programme in Hoshiarpur district, Mann said the 2015 sacrilege incidents at Bargari and the subsequent police firing at Behbal Kalan and Kotkapura continue to haunt Punjab, particularly the Sikh community. “The incidents of beadbi at Bargari and the firing incidents at Behbal Kalan and Kotkapura bruised the conscience of every Punjabi, especially the Sikh Sangat. These wounds are still fresh in the minds of the people," Mann said. “I want to assure every Punjabi that justice will prevail and those responsible for these heinous crimes will not be spared," he added. Anti-Sacrilege Law A Deterrent The Chief Minister said his government had enacted the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Act, 2026, aimed at imposing stringent punishment for sacrilege-related offences.

“We have enacted the anti-sacrilege law, which provides strict punishment for beadbi. This law will ensure that no one dares to commit such an unpardonable offence in future," Mann said. Calling Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji the spiritual guide and father figure for Sikhs, Mann said protecting its sanctity was a collective responsibility. “If a government cannot safeguard the honour of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, then it fails in its most fundamental responsibility towards society," he said. Akalis In Crosshairs Mann also launched a sharp attack on the Shiromani Akali Dal, under whose government the 2015 sacrilege incidents took place. “Those who sought votes in the name of Gurbani failed to protect the sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. They used religion for political gains and the people of Punjab have not forgotten the pain caused by the incidents that occurred during their rule," he said. Referring to claims of development made by previous governments, Mann said Punjab could never forget the Bargari, Behbal Kalan and Kotkapura episodes. “Punjab can never forget those painful chapters. The sins committed against the people and against Punjab’s social fabric can never be erased," he said.