Punjab

Amritsar: Jathedar Akal Takht (the highest Sikh Temporal seat), Gyani Gurbachan Singh, today expressed shock over the behaviour of Sikh cricketer Harbhajan Singh, who took part in a dance competition on TV with actress Mona Singh wearing 'Tilak' and dressed as Ravana. The Jathedar said the incident, which was reported by a section of the media, has caused severe resentment among the Sikh community and has sought apology from the off-spinner. Gurbachan said that being a Sikh, it was highly objectionable of Harbhajan to wear 'Tilak' and act as Ravana and dance publicly, and that these things would never be tolerated.

Gurbachan also said the incident would be probed though none has so far lodged complaint with the Akal Takht. "If somebody files a complaint, suitable action against the cricketer could be initiated irrespective of the fact that he is not a baptised Sikh," the Jathedar said. Gurbachan also demanded that Harbhajan should apologise to sooth public sentiments and in future should take care of the tenets of the Sikh Community. "At the international level, everybody knows Harbhajan as a Sikh and whatever he does reflects on our community," he said. (PTI)