Chandigarh, January 4, 2026: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Punjab Police, tasked with probing the high-profile case of 328 missing ‘saroops’ of the Guru Granth Sahib, has intensified its efforts with a series of coordinated raids across multiple locations in Punjab and Chandigarh. The team, which has been meticulously investigating the matter since the case was registered, announced on Sunday that it has seized several electronic devices and financial records that could prove crucial in establishing the sequence of events and identifying those responsible for the disappearance of the sacred scriptures.

During extensive raids conducted on Saturday, the SIT carried out searches at 14 locations, including two sites in Chandigarh, eight in Amritsar, and one each in Gurdaspur, Rupnagar, Tarn Taran, and the Amritsar Rural area. These searches resulted in the seizure of seven mobile phones, three tablets, two laptops, and a storage device. In addition, the SIT reportedly obtained “incriminating” financial records and documents, which are now under detailed scrutiny. According to the SIT spokesperson, these financial records pertain to payments made by companies associated with several individuals, including politicians, and could shed light on the network of irregularities surrounding the handling and maintenance of the saroops.

The investigation has already led to the arrest of two individuals. Chartered accountant Satinder Singh Kohli was the first to be taken into custody, and Kanwaljit Singh, also known as Kawaljit Singh, was arrested on January 3. Kanwaljit, who had been working as an assistant, is alleged to have played a direct role in serious irregularities regarding the preparation, storage, and handling of the religious scriptures. The SIT spokesperson indicated that further arrests are likely as investigations continue and more evidence is collected.

The missing saroops case has attracted widespread attention since it came to light in June 2020, when it was discovered that hundreds of saroops had disappeared from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee’s (SGPC) publication house in Amritsar. The case has not only sparked controversy within the Sikh community but has also become a matter of intense scrutiny for law enforcement agencies, given the sacred nature of the items involved and the alleged involvement of several high-profile individuals.

The FIR registered on December 7, 2025, at Police Station C-Division, Commissionerate Amritsar, named sixteen individuals in connection with the disappearance of the saroops. Two of the individuals named in the FIR are no longer alive, while the remaining fourteen are under active investigation. The FIR was filed under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 295, which pertains to injuring or defiling a place of worship or sacred object with intent to insult the religion of any class; Section 295-A, dealing with deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings; Section 409, related to criminal breach of trust by public servants or by bankers, merchants, or agents; Section 465, dealing with forgery; and Section 120-B, which pertains to criminal conspiracy.

During Saturday’s raids, the SIT systematically searched locations linked to the accused, and the seized electronic devices are now set to undergo forensic analysis. This process is expected to uncover communications, financial transactions, and other digital evidence that could help piece together how the saroops went missing and identify the roles of different individuals in the alleged irregularities. The SIT emphasized that the investigation is being conducted in a methodical and meticulous manner to ensure that all aspects of the case are thoroughly examined and that no stone is left unturned.

The arrest of Kanwaljit Singh marks a significant development in the case. According to the SIT spokesperson, Kanwaljit allegedly played a pivotal role in unauthorised preparation and storage of the saroops and was directly involved in financial irregularities concerning the handling of these sacred scriptures. The SIT has indicated that further arrests are likely as the investigation proceeds and additional evidence comes to light.

The controversy surrounding the disappearance of the saroops has elicited strong reactions from the SGPC. On Saturday, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami criticized the Punjab government for the registration of the FIR, alleging that it constituted interference in the administrative rights of the apex gurdwara body. Dhami asserted that the move was politically motivated and intended to gain “political mileage” from the situation. He emphasized that the administrative autonomy of the SGPC should be respected and maintained, given its role as the principal managing body of Sikh religious institutions and the custodian of sacred scriptures.

While the SGPC has raised concerns about political interference, law enforcement agencies have maintained that the investigation is being conducted in strict adherence to legal procedures and with the aim of uncovering the truth. The SIT has repeatedly emphasized the need for a systematic approach, given the sensitive nature of the case and the religious sentiments involved. By conducting multiple raids and seizing electronic and financial records, the team aims to build a robust case that can withstand judicial scrutiny.

The missing saroops case has raised questions about internal controls and the management of sacred items within religious institutions. Experts have highlighted the importance of establishing stringent oversight mechanisms to prevent similar incidents in the future. Given that the saroops are handwritten or printed copies of the Guru Granth Sahib and are treated with the highest reverence, their disappearance has not only legal but also profound spiritual and cultural implications for the Sikh community.

The Punjab Police’s SIT is expected to analyze the seized electronic devices thoroughly. Mobile phones, tablets, and laptops may contain communications that could indicate how the saroops were moved or misappropriated. Storage devices could potentially hold scanned or digital copies of records related to the saroops, while financial documents may reveal suspicious transactions linked to the handling of these sacred items. Forensic analysis of these materials will likely play a central role in determining accountability.

In the coming weeks, the SIT is likely to conduct further searches, interviews, and possibly make more arrests as the investigation advances. The team has stated that it is leaving no stone unturned and that each lead is being pursued rigorously to ensure that those responsible for the disappearance of the saroops are brought to justice.

The 328 missing saroops case remains one of the most significant investigations into the mishandling of religious scriptures in recent memory. It not only involves potential criminal violations, including fraud, misappropriation, and conspiracy, but also strikes at the heart of the faith and traditions of the Sikh community. As the investigation continues, stakeholders from across Punjab and beyond are closely watching the developments, given the sensitive religious and political dimensions of the matter.

The Punjab SIT has also emphasized that the investigation is being carried out with the utmost confidentiality to avoid any communal tension and to protect the sanctity of the Guru Granth Sahib. Law enforcement officials have indicated that updates will be shared periodically as the inquiry progresses, but detailed findings are likely to emerge only after the forensic analysis of seized devices and financial records is completed.

As the case unfolds, it is evident that the SIT is leaving no aspect unexamined. The combination of high-level arrests, detailed raids, forensic analysis, and scrutiny of financial transactions demonstrates a methodical approach to solving the case. For the Sikh community, the investigation holds the promise of accountability, transparency, and a restoration of trust in the management of sacred scriptures.

The missing saroops case serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding religious artifacts and ensuring strict adherence to administrative and ethical standards within religious institutions. It also underscores the role of law enforcement in upholding the law while balancing sensitivity to cultural and religious sentiments. With more arrests expected and ongoing forensic analyses, the investigation is poised to provide critical insights into one of Punjab’s most closely watched cases in recent years.

In conclusion, the Punjab SIT’s intensive raids, the seizure of electronic devices and financial records, and the arrest of Kanwaljit Singh mark a significant phase in the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of 328 saroops of the Guru Granth Sahib. While political and religious sensitivities continue to surround the case, law enforcement authorities have reiterated their commitment to a thorough and impartial investigation. As further evidence emerges and more individuals are potentially implicated, the case promises to be a landmark in ensuring accountability and justice in the handling of sacred scriptures in India.