Amitabh Bachchan not blameless in anti-Sikh riots: Gargaj

Punjab: Acting Jathedar of the Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, said on Saturday that actor Amitabh Bachchan is still “innocent” in the eyes of the Sikh community for the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Citing the recent controversy surrounding Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh touching Bachchan’s feet during a TV show, Giani Gargaj said such gestures hurt Sikh sentiments, as Bachchan’s alleged role in the anti-Sikh riots remains unclear.

Giani Gargaj said, “Although Amitabh Bachchan once sent a letter to the Akal Takht claiming his innocence, the statement of Manjit Singh Saini, the only eyewitness who made serious allegations against the actor, was never investigated by any government agency. Therefore, Amitabh Bachchan is still innocent in the eyes of the Sikh community.” The Jathedar urged the Sikh community, especially public figures, to socially and morally boycott all individuals, including political leaders, who are linked to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Paying tribute to the victims of the 1984 massacre, the Jathedar said that even after four decades, the victims have not received justice. He said that most of those responsible for the killings were never arrested, and many senior Congress leaders were acquitted.