‘Extremely poor seats, substandard cleanliness': Ex-Akal Takht Jathedar alleges ill-treatment by Air India staff
In a social media post on Thursday, Giani Raghbir Singh said he was scheduled to travel from New Delhi to San Francisco on Air India flight AI183, along with two others, to participate in a Gurmat Samagam event in Sacramento, California. He alleged that although they boarded the flight with business class tickets, the condition of the seats was 'extremely poor' and 'the cleanliness was substandard'. 'Upon lodging complaints on the spot, the Air India staff members misbehaved,' he further alleged, adding that 'the captain of the flight spoke decently'.
Air India is yet to issue a response to the allegations.
Following the incident, the former Jathedar said he and some other dissatisfied passengers disembarked in protest and sat near the immigration checkpoint inside the terminal. 'We have been harassed at the airport for the past three hours. The immigration officers took our passports, but have not contacted us since. We have not received our luggage either, and no Air India official has reached out to us,' he said.
He further alleged that the group was left without food or water during the ordeal. 'We have been sitting hungry and thirsty in front of the immigration counter for the past three hours — this treatment is utterly disgraceful,' he stated.
Giani Raghbir Singh called for immediate action, demanding that Air India address the issue and improve the standard of service provided.
In a post on social media on Friday, CM Mann said, 'We have received information about a condemnable incident involving former Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the highest religious seat of the Sikh community, and respected Head Granthi of Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib, Giani Raghbir Singh Ji, who was allegedly mistreated by Air India and its staff.'
Calling Giani Raghbir Singh 'a highly respected figure of our community', Mann said, '…we strongly denounce such behaviour towards him. We demand that the central government investigate the matter thoroughly and take exemplary action against those responsible, so that such incidents do not occur in the future.'
Earlier this year, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had expressed anguish over the discomfort he experienced during an Air India flight from Bhopal to New Delhi after travelling on a 'broken' seat. The minister had questioned the Air India management over the incident, asking if it would 'take steps to ensure that no passenger faces such inconvenience in future'.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
3 hours ago
- Business Standard
Anti-sacrilege bill will deter future desecration of scriptures: Punjab CM
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday said the Anti-sacrilege Bill will ensure that no such heinous crime takes place in the future by making provision of the sternest punishment against culprits. Mann stated this while participating in a debate on the 'Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Holy Scripture(s) Bill 2025' on the concluding day of the Special Session of the Punjab Assembly here. The House on Tuesday decided to refer the Bill, which was introduced on Monday, to a Select Committee of the Assembly for seeking views of all stakeholders. Mann said the Guru Granth Sahib is the living Guru, who is highly revered by one and all across the globe. He said the 'Guru Granth Sahib' is a lighthouse of peace and tranquility for the entire mankind, and the Punjab government is "fully alive" to the deep emotional hurt caused by the incidents of sacrilege against the holy 'granths' in the past. He said it is unfortunate that some forces had even gone to an extent of committing the most heinous sin against mankind through desecration of the 'Guru Granth Sahib', a holy book revered by the Sikh community. Mann said the 'Guru Granth Sahib' is an eternal Guru for mankind and no one could ever tolerate the dastardly act of sacrilege. Likewise, he said the 'Bhagavad Gita', 'Quran', 'Bible' and other 'granths' are also respected by humanity for showing a way of life to them. Mann said every devout Sikh is deeply connected with the 'Shabad Guru' - in the form of the 'Guru Granth Sahib' and Gurmukhi, which means originating from the mouth of Guru. Mann said the sacrilege incidents had bruised the psyche of every Punjabi in general and every Sikh in particular. In the absence of harsh punishment against this "unpardonable crime", there was no end to these incidents due to which the Bill was necessitated, he said. According to the Bill, any person found guilty of sacrilege may face imprisonment ranging from 10 years to life. The guilty shall also be liable to pay a fine of Rs 5 lakh, which may extend up to Rs 10 lakh. Those attempting to commit the offence may be sentenced to three to five years and shall also be liable to pay a fine which may extend up to Rs 3 lakh, as per the Bill. Individuals found abetting the crime will be punished in accordance with the offence committed. Under the Bill, offence means any sacrilege, damage, destruction, defacing, disfiguring, de-colouring, de-filling, decomposing, burning, breaking or tearing of any holy scripture or part thereof.
Economic Times
12 hours ago
- Economic Times
Fauja Singh made Sikh community around the world proud: Bhagwant Mann
Agencies Fauja Singh (File Photo) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday said veteran marathon runner Fauja Singh, who died in a road accident, made the Sikh community around the world proud with his long distance died on Monday after being hit by an unidentified vehicle while out for a walk in his native village in Punjab's Jalandhar district. He was 114."Very sad to hear about the death of famous Punjabi Sikh runner Fauja Singh ji. The world's oldest runner Fauja Singh ji, who made the Sikh community proud in the world with his long distance running, will always live in our hearts and memories. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones," Mann posted on Tuesday, a police official from Jalandhar said that efforts are on to trace the erring driver who fled after hitting last rites of Singh are likely to be conducted after a couple of days, a family member told PTI on Tuesday. "We have many relatives living abroad including in the UK and Canada. So, it may take some time before they reach," he in 1911 into a family of farmers, Singh was the youngest of four siblings. He became the first centenarian to complete a marathon, earning multiple records while participating in international began running marathons at an old age, gaining the nickname "Turbaned Tornado" for his endurance and athleticism. He moved to England in the 1990s and later returned to live in his native village in Punjab in recent years where he has been living presently. He was a torchbearer for the London 2012 Olympics. Last year, Singh, in a symbolic gesture, joined Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria in a walkathon to spread awareness against drug of Opposition in Punjab Assembly and Congress leader, Partap Singh Bajwa also expressed his condolences over Fauja Singh's demise."Deeply saddened by the passing of Sardar Fauja Singh ji, the world's oldest marathon runner. At 114, he remained an inspiration for resilience and hope. Punjab and the world salute his incredible life," Bajwa posted on a post on X, Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring wrote, "Saddened over the untimely death of our legend #FaujaSingh Ji. He was an example of grit, determination and perseverance running marathons well past 100 years. "More shocking is that he fell victim to a hit-and-run incident. We never know how long he may have lived more. A precious and illustrious life has been taken away from us. Hope the culprit is identified and punished," Warring said in his post. Pargat Singh, Congress MLA from Jalandhar Cantt and former Indian hockey captain, said, "Even at the age of 114, he continued to inspire generations with his strength and commitment. His legacy, however, will forever live on in the hearts of those fighting for a healthier, and drug-free Punjab."
Hindustan Times
13 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Patna Sahib blinks, accepts Akal Takht's supremacy
The ongoing confrontation between Akal Takht and Takht Patna Sahib was resolved on Monday after the clergy of Bihar-based Sikh temporal seat withdrew its resolution issued to challenge the supremacy of the highest temporal seat and on request of the Patna Sahib management, Sikh clergy at the Akal Takht also withdrew its edicts. Presided over by Akal Takht acting jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, a meeting of the Panj Singh Sahiban (Sikh clergy) was held at the supreme temporal seat in the Golden Temple complex to discuss two letters sent by the clergy and management of Takht Patna Sahib. (HT File) Presided over by Akal Takht acting jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, a meeting of the Panj Singh Sahiban (Sikh clergy) was held at the supreme temporal seat in the Golden Temple complex to discuss two letters sent by the clergy and management of Takht Patna Sahib. In both letters, Akal Takht was recognised as the supreme and highest Sikh Takht. 'On Monday, a meeting of Panj Pyaras Singh Sahiban was held at Takht Sri Harmandar Ji Patna Sahib. While the birth birthplace of Guru Gobind Sahib Jee, Takht Patna Sahib, is the great Takht of the Sikhs, Akal Takht Sahib which was founded by Guru Hargobind Sahib, is the highest seat. The edicts issued from here as per the resolutions passed on May 21 and July 5 are withdrawn in larger interests of khalsa panth, panthic unity, sentiments of Sikh sangat', reads the resolutions passed by the clergy of Patna Sahib. Signed by president Jagjot Singh and general secretary Inderjit Singh, the letter addressed to Giani Gargaj states that they are dedicated to the Akal Takht which is the highest forum among all the five Sikh temporal seats. 'Some matters are going on between both the Takhts. We request you to review the decisions taken by Akal Takht regarding Takht Patna Sahib keeping in view of larger interests of khalsa panth, panthic unity and respect and dignity of the Takhts and give more time to the management to present its side in these matters', reads the letter. The July 5 edict of Takht Patna Sahib had declared the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal 'tankhaiya' (guilty of religious misconduct) for ignoring its summons. Considering the communique, the Sikh clergy at Akal Takht also revoked the resolutions passed on May 31 and July 5. Under the May 31 edict, the ban imposed on panthic services of Patna Sahib jathedar Giani Baldev Singh and additional head granthi Giani Gurdial Sing was lifted. 'Considering request from the management of Patna Sahib, the July 5 edict is also revoked in larger interests of khalsa panth and Sikh sentiments', said Giani Gargaj while reading out the fresh resolution. The SGPC had on Sunday called a session on August 5 over the issue. How row unfolded? On May 21 Giani Gargaj-led Sikh clergy, during a meeting at Akal Takht, took notice of Takht Patna Sahib management's failure to comply with its 2022 decree in which the management was asked to examine incumbent jathedar Baldev Singh's gurbani recitation skills and transfer of additional head granthi Gurdial Singh. Both individuals were barred from performing panthic duties. Hours later, Patna Sahib panj pyaras also comprising Giani Baldev Singh and Giani Gurdial Singh issued a parallel decree, turning down the Akal Takht's decree and on July 5, declared SAD chief 'tankhaiya' for failing to appear before it. The move of the Sikh clergy to acquit former Takht Patna Sahib jathedar Giani Ranjit Singh Gauhar in the May 21 edict was also rejected by Takht Patna Sahib Panj Pyaras. On July 5, Giani Gargaj called an emergency meeting at Akal Takht and denounced the action of the Patna Sahib. The Akal Takht also took action against Gurdial Singh and two members of the management for allegedly conspiring to breach the jurisdiction of the highest Sikh temporal seat and challenging its supremacy. In the resolution passed during the meeting, which was pronounced as a 'decree' from the platform of the Takht, the Sikh clergy revisited the 2003 edict of the highest Sikh temporal, which was signed by jathedars of all five Sikh Takhts and termed the move of Takht Patna Sahib as a gross violation of the 2003 edict.
