ROPAR — Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) senior vice-president and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) member Amarjit Singh Chawla has been booked in a rape case following a complaint by a woman from Punjab’s Malwa region.According to The Tribune, the FIR was registered at Anandpur Sahib police station on August 21, 2026, and alleges sexual exploitation, threats and pressure against the complainant. The FIR reportedly refers to a series of alleged incidents between February 27 and August 19.The Times of India reported that police said Chawla was at large and had not joined the investigation, with efforts being made to trace him and question him. Police officials declined to disclose further details, citing the sensitive nature of the case.
Allegations in FIR
According to The Tribune, the case has been registered under Sections 64, 127(2) and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), relating to rape, wrongful confinement and criminal intimidation. The newspaper reported that the complainant’s statement was also recorded before a judicial magistrate.The allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings. Registration of an FIR does not establish guilt.
Chawla denies allegations
Chawla has strongly denied the allegations.In a video message released on Wednesday, he described the allegations as false and fabricated and alleged that a conspiracy had been launched against him. He said he would establish his innocence before a court.The Times of India reported that Chawla described the FIR as “completely false, baseless” and part of what he called a conspiracy to damage his reputation.
Amid the controversy, Chawla announced his resignation from his SGPC membership and the post of SAD senior vice-president.He said he had submitted his resignation letters to SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami and SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal. He also stated that he would stay away from public office until he was cleared of the allegations by the court.Hindustan Times reported that Chawla said he was resigning on moral grounds and would resume public responsibilities only after being cleared of the charges.
The handling of the case has also drawn attention because of the limited official information released by senior police officers.The Tribune reported that police sources confirmed the registration of the case but senior officers declined to provide details. The report said the Ropar SSP did not respond to requests for confirmation, while the DIG, Ropar Range, said he was unaware of the matter and would look into it.Meanwhile, police have indicated that efforts are continuing to trace Chawla and question him as part of the investigation.
Case now moves into investigation and legal process
The allegations against Chawla, his denial and the police investigation will now be subject to the legal process.
For the complainant, the FIR represents the formal beginning of a criminal investigation. For Chawla, the allegations remain allegations unless established through due legal proceedings.The case has attracted particular attention because Chawla holds prominent positions in both the Sikh religious-management and political spheres. His decision to step aside from those positions until the matter is resolved places the focus now on the police investigation and subsequent judicial proceedings.
Sources: The Tribune, Hindustan Times and The Times of India reports published September 16–17, 2026.