Overview
- The demolition occurred on the night of June 24–25 when portions of the 125‑year‑old Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib in Farooqabad were razed, with social media videos and local reports showing major structural damage.
- India’s Ministry of External Affairs condemned the act as a “highly deplorable” targeted vandalism, formally lodged a protest and demanded a prompt investigation, restoration of the demolished sections, and prosecution of those responsible.
- Punjab’s Minorities Minister Ramesh Singh Arora inspected the site, said initial information pointed to a local businessman acting without a No Objection Certificate, announced immediate restoration and ordered an Auqaf inquiry into land status.
- The demolition has prompted protests by the Sikh community and a DSGMC delegation to meet MEA officials, while local traders warn restoration could displace families and small businesses that have occupied the site for decades.
- The incident has renewed criticism of the Evacuee Trust Property Board’s upkeep of pre‑Partition sites and raised land‑grab allegations, leaving restoration progress, the inquiry’s findings and any criminal cases as key developments to watch.