Jathedar Gargajj Meets Family of Boy Who Died at Fake Pastors’ Gathering in Patiala

Patiala/Amritsar, July 15:,Nazrana Times Beuro

Officiating Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, today visited Khusropur village in Patiala district, where he met with the grieving family of a 16-year-old boy who recently lost his life during a gathering organized by fake pastors on Bhadson Road near Sidhuwal. Jathedar Gargajj expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident and personally sought details of the circumstances that led the family into the trap of such fraudulent individuals.

The victim’s family shared that the boy had a wheat allergy since tender age. Initially, they sought medical treatment, but later they came in contact with fake pastors who claimed to cure the condition through religious rituals. With hope for their son’s recovery, the family began attending these gatherings, unaware that negligence in arrangements would one day lead to his untimely death.

They also informed Jathedar Gargajj that their family has always had firm faith in Sikh faith and Sri Guru Granth Sahib. However, one of the family member (boy’s father) was misled by false promises of healing, leading them toward these fraudulent religious circles. The family alleged that the fake pastors exploited their poverty, brainwashed their children, attempted religious conversion, and even instructed them to refrain from visiting gurdwaras and other religious places or partaking in langar and other Sikh practices.

During the visit, Jathedar Gargajj spoke with Patiala’s Senior Superintendent of Police, Shri Varun Sharma, urging strict legal action under appropriate sections against those responsible and justice for the poor, suffering family. To offer spiritual support, the Jathedar recited Gurbani and prayed before the Almighty for peace to the departed soul and strength for the family to accept divine will.

Jathedar Gargajj firmly stated that it is not Punjab’s tradition to spread hatred against any religion or community. The land of Punjab, he said, thrives on Sri Guru Nanak Dev’s message of Sarbat da Bhala (welfare of all), promoting love and harmony among communities. He warned that in Punjab, some fake pastors are misleading people through superstition, false miracles, and false healing claims, luring them into conversion traps, while governments turn a blind eye.

He urged the people of Punjab to stay vigilant and not fall for such fraudulent claims. If someone is suffering from a medical condition, they should seek proper medical care and stay connected with the teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, placing faith in the Akal Purakh (One Supreme Being). He said everyone has the right to practice and propagate their religion, but deceiving others under the guise of religion is intolerable, he asserted.

Jathedar Gargajj also appealed to the Punjab Government to take strong legal action against such imposters and ensure justice in this specific incident. He emphasized that religious minorities such as Sikhs, Christians, and Muslims must coexist peacefully, and if some individuals within the Christian community are misusing religion for personal gain, their leaders should take responsibility to stop them.

He further highlighted that in the past, a joint understanding had been reached between Sikh and Christian religious leaders at Sri Akal Takht Sahib. It was mutually agreed that the term ‘crusade’ would not be used in Punjab for religious outreach. At that time, representatives of the Roman Catholic Church, the United Christian Front Punjab, and the Evangelical Society participated in the discussion. Catholic representatives submitted a written statement at Sri Akal Takht Sahib, declaring that the Catholic Church prohibits the use of the word crusade. They clarified that those who use such terms are not Church members but fake godmen exploiting religion for monetary gain, actions that go against Christ and the Bible.

Despite that agreement, the Jathedar lamented, some people continue to misuse the term crusade in Punjab, thereby make attempts to disturb social harmony. If any unfortunate event occurs in the future, the blame, he warned, will once again be unfairly directed at Sikhs.