Allegations of Theft at Mandi Gurdwara Spark Outrage Among Devotees
Serious Theft Allegations at Gurdwara Sri Dukhniwaran Sahib
Munish Sood
Mandi
Recent allegations have emerged regarding the theft of a significant sum from the donation box (golak) at Gurdwara Sri Dukhniwaran Sahib in Mandi. Members of the Neeldhari Sangat have accused local authorities of inaction, claiming that despite the incident being reported several days ago, no First Information Report (FIR) has been filed.
Historical Context of the Gurdwara
The Neeldhari Sangat states that Gurdwara Sri Dukhniwaran Sahib was founded in 1967-68 under the guidance of Sant Harnam Singh Ji, the sect's founder. Since its establishment, the shrine has been managed by a committee elected democratically by the Sangat members.
According to the Sangat, donations are collected in the main golak and are typically counted in front of the congregation on the first Sunday of each month, with the total deposited into the Gurdwara's account at the local Indian Bank branch.
Management Disputes and Property Issues
The Sangat representatives have alleged that Vishweshwar Singh, son of Bhagwan Singh, along with his family, has been meddling in the Gurdwara's management and trying to take control of its properties. They claimed that a formal complaint regarding this interference was lodged with the Superintendent of Police (SP) in Mandi on August 26, 2025.
Additionally, the Sangat accused the same family of starting unauthorized construction on Gurdwara land, leading to a complaint filed with the Municipal Corporation Commissioner on October 4, 2025.
The Municipal Commissioner reportedly ordered the demolition of the illegal construction by January 20, 2026, but the Sangat claims this order has not been executed.
Donation Box Allegedly Tampered With
Tensions from the ongoing dispute have reportedly prevented the managing committee from accessing the main golak since August 3, 2025. By March 2026, the amount in the donation box was estimated to be between ₹12 lakh and ₹15 lakh.
Members of the Sangat alleged that devotees faced intimidation, including threats and verbal abuse, which hindered normal operations at the Gurdwara. They claim that the accused exploited this situation to break into the golak and steal the funds.
Claims of Administrative Inaction
The Sangat has stated that they submitted further complaints to the SP Mandi in November 2025 and again on February 13, 2026, seeking intervention and legal action, but allege that no action was taken.
Following the alleged theft, a new complaint was filed on March 11, 2026, in front of approximately 20 devotees, demanding the immediate registration of an FIR and legal action against the perpetrators.
Despite the gravity of the situation, the Sangat claims that no FIR has been filed, no investigation has commenced, and no legal measures have been taken.
Community Outrage and Demand for Justice
Representatives of the Neeldhari Sangat expressed that the alleged theft has profoundly affected the community's religious sentiments, leading to widespread anger among devotees.
They convened the press conference to urge the police and local administration to address the issue promptly. The Sangat is demanding the recovery of the stolen funds, the filing of a criminal case, and strict legal action against those responsible, while also ensuring the protection of the Gurdwara's property and the rights of the Sangat.
Response from the Accused Family
In response to the allegations, Sukhwinder Singh and Rangaranga Singh, sons of Vishweshwar Singh, denied any wrongdoing. They mentioned that they are currently away from Mandi for their mother's medical treatment and plan to address the accusations through their legal counsel upon their return.