New Delhi, India (August 26, 2013): Self-styled godman Asa Ram’s disciple’s derogatory remark against first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji provoked anger among the Sikhs across the globe. Neelam Dubey, a spokesperson of Asa Ram has passed certain comments at a live TV debate of India News channel on August 23, 2013. The talk/debate was being hosted by anchor/journalist Deepak Chaurasia.
“Asaram Bapu’s spokesperson, Neelam Dubey stated during the show that “Children of Guru Nanak Dev ji were burnt in Kadai (pan) and besides other statements even against Gautam Buddha that allegation of rape were leveled against him and a further statement that he was sent to jail”, Punjab News Line report reads further.
While answering a state-forward question by TV anchor that why the allegations of rape are being repeatedly levelled against Asa Ram, Neelam dube said that “against whom the allegations were not levelled?”. “Allegations were levelled against Sant Kabir, Guru Nanak Dev, … against whom the allegations were not levelled?” she added.
In a video recording that is available on YouTube and other social networking sites, the anchor of TV channel could be seen as forbidding Neelam Dube from comparing Asa Ram with Sant Kabir or Guru Nanak Ji, but she continued with her comparison and arguments.
It is learnt that the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) and some other Sikh organizations/groups have taken serious notice of the issue. As per information S. Ajmer Singh of DSGMC has lodged a criminal complaint against Neelam Dube at Sansad Marg police station under sections 153A & 153B (Offences against Public Tranquillity), 295-A (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs), 298 (uttering words, etc., with deliberate intent to wound religious feelings), and section 505 (Statements conducing public mischief) of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. The DSGMC representative has demanded immediate arrest of Neelam Dube.
Manjit Singh (GK),President of Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee strongly condemned this mischievous act and reportedly stated “These remarks have been made deliberately, knowingly in order to promote feelings of hatred among the Sikh community which has the highest contribution in maintaining the sovereignty and integrity of India”. He further said “during the debate spokesperson of Asa Ramhas compared him with the First Guru of Sikh religion whereby offending the Sikh community. The channel should have stopped airing the debate and should have issued an apology statement immediately” he concluded.
“Delhi Police has registered a first information report under section 153A, 295A and 298 of IPC at Parliament Street Police Station later in the evening today on basis of complaint made by D.S.G.M.C” said Rakesh Malhotra, counsel of DSGMC.
Manjinder Singh Sirsa, General Secretary of Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee has reportedly appealed to the Sikhs for maintaining peace and harmony.
“This statement and act has been made by spokesperson of Asa Ram on his behalf and in absence of any clarification being issued by Asa Ram himself suggests that he has consented for this statement and remarks”, he reportedly stated.