Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has strongly criticised Delhi Police over allegations that personnel entered Gurdwara Bangla Sahib in New Delhi wearing shoes and removed protesters from the religious premises. Mann described the alleged conduct as having a “Taliban-like attitude” and accused the police of violating the sanctity of the Sikh shrine. The controversy has drawn attention to the importance of respecting Sikh religious practices and the expectations surrounding the treatment of individuals seeking shelter at places of worship. In a post on X, Mann condemned what he described as the forceful entry of Delhi Police personnel into Gurdwara Bangla Sahib. He said Sikh religious institutions had historically provided shelter to people in need, including those facing difficult circumstances.

Referring to the protesters involved in the incident, the chief minister argued that the principles associated with the Guru's house required compassion and protection for those seeking refuge. He alleged that the police action disregarded these traditions and hurt the religious sentiments of the Sikh community. Mann further alleged that the police personnel entered the gurdwara without covering their heads and while wearing boots, conduct he described as disrespectful to the religious site's sanctity. In his statement, he said the Sikh community would not forgive what he characterised as a shameful act. His remarks reflected the seriousness with which Sikh religious practices and the sanctity of gurdwaras are regarded by many members of the community.

However, the allegations concerning the police personnel's conduct remain distinct from the police department's account of the incident. The controversy also prompted the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to call for intervention by the Akal Takht, the highest temporal authority in Sikhism. The party urged Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj to raise the matter with the Union Government, arguing that the alleged conduct amounted to disrespect towards a Sikh religious institution. The appeal placed the issue within a broader discussion about the protection of religious sites, adherence to established religious customs and accountability when law enforcement personnel operate in places of worship. Mann also drew a comparison between the alleged incident at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib and the storming of the Golden Temple complex during Operation Blue Star in 1984.

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The comparison invoked a deeply sensitive episode in Sikh history and underscored the political and religious significance Mann attached to the allegations. The circumstances of the two events are different, and the comparison represents the chief minister's criticism rather than an established equivalence between them. His comments nevertheless intensified the political dimension of the dispute. Delhi Police, meanwhile, said the video circulating on social media had been shared with “malicious intent” and stated that legal action would be initiated. The police response indicated that the department disputed the way the footage was being presented publicly. The competing claims have made the circumstances surrounding the alleged entry and removal of protesters central to the controversy.

Further clarification about the sequence of events and the conduct of the personnel involved would be necessary to establish a complete account. The dispute has brought renewed focus to the relationship between law enforcement responsibilities and respect for religious customs in India. Gurdwaras traditionally provide community services and assistance to people regardless of background, making allegations of disrespect at such sites particularly sensitive. While Mann and the AAP have called for the matter to be taken up with the Union Government, Delhi Police has indicated that it intends to pursue legal action over the video's circulation. The available information does not establish the outcome of any proposed inquiry or legal proceedings.

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