The past 24 hours have been critical across all religious groups and in particular lava of anger has erupted among Sikhs across the globe due to disgruntled statements made by Neelam Dubey, spokesperson of Asaram Bapu at a live debate of India News Channel hosted by Deepak Chaurasia on 23.08.2013. She stated comments against Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Guru of Sikhs which is factually incorrect and thereby making disrespectful remarks in a debate where in issue of rape allegations against Asaram Bapu were being discussed on the channel during prime time telecast.
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 Lord Gautam Buddha that allegation of rape were leveled against him and a further statement that he was sent to jail.” Thereby hurting the sentiments of followers of Sikhism and same being repeatedly broadcasted by the India News with deliberate and malicious intention to insult or attempt to insult religious belief of Sikhs, amounting to punishable offence under the Indian Penal Code.
Taking a strong note of this act , Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee filed a complaint on Saturday afternoon with Parliament Street Police Station for registration of case against Neelam Dubey and India News for promoting enmity on the ground of Religion, making imputation, assertions which is prejudicial to national integration and for outraging the religious feeling by insulting the religious belief , besides this aforesaid news channel for mass circulation of statement whereby conducing a public mischief. The complaint has been filed on behalf of the organization by Ajmer Singh, Chief Administrator of Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee. Unfortunately the debate has been uploaded by the channel on YouTube and on the website of the news channel as well.
Manjit Singh (GK),President of Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee strongly condemned this mischievous act and 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 Asaram Bapu has 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, a prominent international criminal lawyer who is handling the case of behalf of the organization.
Manjinder Singh (Sirsa), General Secretary of Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee appealed to entire community for maintaining peace and harmony. He also stated “that this statement and act has been made by spokesperson of Asaram Bapu on his behalf and in absence of any clarification being issued by Asaram Bapu himself suggests that he has consented for this statement and remarks”.In other word the statement made by Neelam Dubey on behalf of Asaram Bapu are bound to be regarded by any reasonable man as grossly offensive and provocative and maliciously and deliberately intended to outrage the feeling any religious community. The act has result into excited feelings of enmity in Sikh Community.