Bhai Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale, a prominent Sikh preacher, appeared before the Akal Takht Sahib, the highest temporal authority of the Sikhs, on May 21, 2025, to seek forgiveness for statements deemed objectionable by Sikh scholars. The Akal Takht had previously, in August 2020, directed the Sikh community to boycott Dhadrianwale’s congregations due to his remarks against Sikh principles, instructing that he must apologize to resume preaching.
Bhai Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale will again be seen openly promoting Sikhism.
On May 21, 2025, Dhadrianwale presented himself before the Panj Singh Sahiban (five Sikh high priests) at the Akal Takht in Amritsar. His apology was accepted, and the ban on his religious activities was lifted, allowing him to resume holding congregations and preaching Sikhism. The Akal Takht issued directives for him to follow, including adhering to Sikh and Panthic Maryada (code of conduct), refraining from personal attacks on Sikh groups, and promoting unity within the Khalsa Panth.
The matter involving Bhai Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale and his apology at the Akal Takht Sahib centers on a controversy that led to his temporary ostracization from the Sikh community and his eventual reconciliation with the Sikh religious authority in 2025.
Background
Bhai Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale is a well-known Sikh preacher based in Punjab, India, recognized for his outspoken and reformist approach to Sikhism. He has a significant following due to his accessible preaching style, which often emphasizes practical spirituality and critiques certain traditional practices within the Sikh community. However, his statements and actions have, at times, sparked controversy among orthodox Sikh groups and scholars.
In 2020, Dhadrianwale made remarks that were deemed offensive and contrary to Sikh principles by some Sikh scholars and organizations. Specifically, his comments were seen as challenging the sanctity of certain Sikh traditions or practices, though the exact nature of the statements is not fully detailed in available sources. These remarks led to significant backlash, particularly from conservative factions within the Sikh community, who accused him of disrespecting Sikh tenets.
Akal Takht’s Response
The Akal Takht Sahib, located in Amritsar, is the highest temporal and spiritual authority in Sikhism, responsible for upholding Sikh religious and ethical standards. In August 2020, the Akal Takht issued a directive declaring Dhadrianwale’s statements as objectionable.
As a result, it imposed a boycott on his religious activities, instructing the Sikh community not to attend his congregations or “diwans” until he sought forgiveness for his actions. This effectively barred him from preaching or participating in religious gatherings, a significant restriction given his role as a prominent kathavachak (narrator of Sikh scriptures and history).
The Akal Takht’s decision was based on the Sikh Rehat Maryada (Sikh Code of Conduct), which governs the behavior of Sikhs and ensures adherence to the principles laid down by the Sikh Gurus. The boycott was a form of religious censure, aimed at correcting what was perceived as a violation of Sikh values and maintaining unity within the Panth (Sikh community).
The Apology and Resolution
On May 21, 2025, Bhai Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale appeared before the Panj Singh Sahiban (the five high priests of the Akal Takht) at the Akal Takht Sahib to seek forgiveness. This act of appearing before the Akal Takht is a traditional process in Sikhism, where individuals accused of religious misconduct can submit to the authority of the Takht, express remorse, and accept any prescribed punishment or conditions to be reintegrated into the community.
During this appearance, Dhadrianwale expressed regret for his statements, acknowledging their potential to cause discord or hurt within the Sikh community. The Akal Takht accepted his apology, and the boycott was formally lifted. The high priests issued specific directives for Dhadrianwale to follow moving forward, which included:
● Adherence to Sikh Maryada: He was instructed to strictly follow the Sikh Rehat Maryada in his preaching and conduct.
● Avoiding Personal Attacks: He was directed to refrain from making personal attacks or derogatory remarks against other Sikh groups, organizations, or individuals.
● Promoting Unity: He was tasked with working toward the unity and betterment of the Khalsa Panth, emphasizing collective harmony over divisive rhetoric.
With the apology accepted, Dhadrianwale was permitted to resume his religious activities, including holding diwans and preaching Sikhism, effectively restoring his status within the community.
Significance and Community Reaction
The resolution of this matter was significant for several reasons:
● Reconciliation: The acceptance of Dhadrianwale’s apology marked the end of a five-year period of restriction, allowing one of Punjab’s most influential preachers to return to his role. This was seen as a step toward healing divisions within the Sikh community.
● Authority of Akal Takht: The incident underscored the Akal Takht’s role as the ultimate arbiter in Sikh religious matters, reinforcing its authority to mediate disputes and maintain doctrinal integrity.
● Debate on Reform vs. Tradition: Dhadrianwale’s case highlighted ongoing tensions within Sikhism between reformist voices, who advocate for modern interpretations of Sikh teachings, and traditionalists, who emphasize strict adherence to established practices. His apology and the conditions imposed suggest a balancing act to accommodate both perspectives.
This event is part of a broader pattern of disputes within the Sikh community, where charismatic preachers like Dhadrianwale often face scrutiny for their interpretations of Sikhism. His progressive stance, including criticism of certain rituals or practices, has made him a polarizing figure. The 2016 assassination attempt on Dhadrianwale, linked to tensions with other Sikh groups, further highlighted the challenges faced by reformist preachers in navigating traditional structures.
The resolution at the Akal Takht on May 21, 2025, thus represents not only a personal milestone for Dhadrianwale but also a moment of reflection for the Sikh community on how to balance tradition, reform, and unity in a rapidly changing world.
The attack on Bhai Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale refers to a violent assassination attempt that took place on May 17, 2016, near Barewal village in Ludhiana, Punjab. Below is a detailed account of the incident, its context, aftermath, and related developments, incorporating relevant information from available sources.
The Attack
On the evening of May 17, 2016, Bhai Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale, a prominent Sikh preacher known for his reformist views and large following, was traveling in a convoy to attend a religious congregation (diwan) at Isewal village, near Ludhiana.
Around 7:45 PM, his convoy, consisting of three vehicles, was ambushed by a group of 15 to 40 armed assailants, most of whom were reportedly baptized Sikhs. The attackers had set up a fake “chabeel” (a traditional Sikh roadside stall offering free sweetened water or milk to passersby) on Canal Road as a ruse to stop the convoy.
As the convoy slowed down at the chabeel, the assailants opened fire, targeting the Toyota Land Cruiser in which Dhadrianwale was traveling. Bhai Bhupinder Singh Khasi Kalan (also referred to as Baba Bhupinder Singh Dhakki Sahibwale), a close aide and fellow preacher who was sitting in the front passenger seat, was shot in the head or neck and killed.
The attackers fired approximately 50 shots, damaging the vehicle’s tires and windows. Dhadrianwale, who ducked for cover, escaped with minor injuries. His driver managed to speed away despite the deflated tires, and the group took shelter in an under-construction school building in a nearby field, from where they contacted the police. The attackers pursued the convoy for about 4 kilometers, continuing to fire at the vehicles.
Context and Motive
The attack was widely believed to be a pre-planned assassination attempt targeting Dhadrianwale due to his controversial stance and ideological conflicts within the Sikh community. Key factors contributing to the incident include:
Ideological Disagreement with Damdami Taksal:
● Dhadrianwale had been engaged in a public dispute with Baba Harnam Singh Dhumma, the head of Damdami Taksal (Mehta), a prominent Sikh seminary. The conflict stemmed from ideological differences, particularly Dhadrianwale’s reformist approach, which emphasized practical spirituality and criticized certain traditional practices.
He had reportedly called Dhumma a “sarkaari sant” (government-backed saint), escalating tensions. This “Facebook war” was cited as a key motive for the attack, with police investigations suggesting that the arrested suspects were supporters of Dhumma seeking revenge for Dhadrianwale’s remarks.
● Dhadrianwale had also stayed away from the Sarbat Khalsa (a Sikh community gathering) organized by radical groups in 2015, which further strained relations with hardline factions aligned with Dhumma.
● Political Connections: The attack occurred in a politically charged environment in Punjab. Dhadrianwale was perceived to be close to the Punjab Congress, while Dhumma was associated with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Sant Samaj, a group aligned with the ruling government at the time. Some speculated that political motivations, including Dhadrianwale’s vocal criticism of the Punjab government and his participation in protests against the desecration of the Guru Granth Sahib in 2015, may have contributed to the attack.
● Hired Shooter Allegations: In a television interview with ABP Sanjha on May 20, 2016, Dhadrianwale claimed to have received credible information that the attackers had hired a professional shooter from Bombay (Mumbai) to target him. He emphasized that the attack was part of a “deep-rooted conspiracy” and urged the administration to uncover the masterminds behind it.
Aftermath and Investigation
Casualties and Immediate Response:
● Bhai Bhupinder Singh, aged approximately 30, was killed in the attack and was declared a “shaheed” (martyr) by Dhadrianwale during his funeral, which was attended by thousands of Sikhs and prominent Sikh leaders in Khasi Kalan, Dhakki Sahib, on May 18, 2016. Bhupinder Singh was survived by his wife and two young children.
● Dhadrianwale appealed for calm among his followers, urging them not to speculate and to allow the administration to investigate. He expressed deep sadness over Bhupinder Singh’s death, noting their shared commitment to Sikh preaching.
● Police Action: The Ludhiana police registered a murder case and arrested four suspects initially: Hardev Singh (Amritsar), Gagandeep Singh, Jaspreet Singh, and Manjeet Singh (Ludhiana). Hardev Singh was identified as the main conspirator, with Gagandeep and Jaspreet assisting in reconnaissance and setting up the fake chabeel. A fifth suspect, Dalbir Singh, was also named, and efforts were made to apprehend him. By May 25, 2016, six more suspects were arrested.
● Vehicles involved in the attack, including a Tata Safari and an open jeep registered to Baba Harnam Singh of Mehta, Amritsar, were impounded. CCTV footage from Ladhowal toll plaza showed the suspects entering and exiting Ludhiana around the time of the attack.
● Despite these arrests, Dhadrianwale and his supporters expressed dissatisfaction with the Punjab police’s investigation, alleging bias due to political pressure.
On June 2, 2016, Dhadrianwale approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court, demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, claiming that the state police were acting under the influence of Dhumma and the ruling government. The court issued notices to the Punjab government and CBI, seeking a status report.
Community and Political Reactions:
● The attack sparked outrage within the Sikh community, with many organizations, including the United Akali Dal, condemning it and criticizing Dhumma’s role. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader HS Phoolka called it a “cowardly act,” and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal visited Dhadrianwale on May 25, 2016, at Gurdwara Parmeshar Dwar to offer condolences.
● The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) announced plans to form a panel to mediate the dispute between Dhadrianwale and Dhumma, aiming to defuse tensions. Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh proposed summoning both parties to find an amicable solution.
Sikh Clergy & SGPC Have Denied Claims By Lieutenant General Sumer Lvan D’Cunha On 20 May 2025
● A Change. org petition launched by the Sikh community demanded the arrest of all attackers and their masterminds, emphasizing that such violence had no place in Sikhism or civilized society.
The attack highlighted deep divisions within the Sikh community, particularly between reformist preachers like Dhadrianwale, who advocate for a practical, scripture-based approach to Sikhism, and traditionalist groups like Damdami Taksal, which uphold orthodox practices.
The incident also raised concerns about the politicization of Sikh institutions and the influence of political parties in religious disputes.
Dhadrianwale’s survival and the subsequent investigation underscored the challenges of ensuring justice in high-profile cases involving religious figures in Punjab. His call for a CBI probe reflected distrust in the state’s investigative process, a sentiment echoed by his supporters who feared that powerful political and religious figures might obstruct justice.Connection to the Akal Takht Apology
The 2016 attack is relevant to understanding the broader context of Dhadrianwale’s later apology at the Akal Takht in 2025. His reformist views, which led to tensions with groups like Damdami Taksal, also contributed to the 2020 Akal Takht boycott over his “objectionable remarks” on Sikh principles.
The attack demonstrated the risks he faced due to his outspokenness, and his eventual apology in 2025 can be seen as an effort to reconcile with the Sikh establishment and restore his ability to preach, while navigating the complex interplay of tradition, reform, and community unity.