The Great Loot of Barnala: Unmasking the Dera Baba Gandha Singh Scandal

This report delves deep into the Dera Baba Gandha Singh Scandal, exposing how a “Lifetime Trust” created for the education of children was hijacked to siphon off public funds and grab royal land.

The Royal Legacy: A Gift from the Daughter of Ala Singh

To truly understand the magnitude of the Dera Baba Gandha Singh Scandal, one must first look at the astronomical value of the assets involved. The property belonging to the Dera is not ordinary land. Historical records indicate that much of this estate was donated by Bibi Pardhan Kaur, the daughter of Baba Ala Singh, the founder of the Patiala Royal Dynasty.

The donation was meant to serve the community forever. Today, this estate encompasses over 400 acres of prime land spread across the Patiala district and surrounding areas. Furthermore, the Trust owns commercial properties in key locations including Patiala city, Malerkotla, Muktsar, and even the expensive hill station of Kasauli. The sheer scale of this property is what makes the Dera Baba Gandha Singh Scandal one of the biggest land grabs in recent Punjab history.

In addition to the land, the Baba Gandha Singh Education Trust manages three prominent educational institutions:

1. Baba Gandha Singh Public School, Barnala

2. Baba Gandha Singh Public School, Bhadaur

3. Baba Gandha Singh Public School, Mehal Kalan

The combined annual turnover of these schools runs into crores. It is this massive “goldmine” that attracted the “land mafia” disguised as trustees.

The Conspiracy: The “Fake Resignation” Coup

At the core of the Dera Baba Gandha Singh Scandal is a sinister plot to overthrow the legal leadership. The Trust Deed is clear: the serving Mahant (Head Priest) of the Dera is the Lifetime Chairman. Mahant Piara Singh, the legal Mohtamim, cannot be removed as long as he is alive.

However, documents submitted to the Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab expose a fraudulent coup. In a complaint dated January 17, 2018, Mahant Piara Singh revealed that a group led by Hakam Singh and Baba Tek Singh fabricated a “Fake Resignation” letter. This forged document claimed that Mahant Piara Singh voluntarily stepped down in April-May 2007.

This forgery is a critical element of the Dera Baba Gandha Singh Scandal. Why would a Lifetime Chairman hand over control of a multi-crore empire to private individuals? The complaint alleges this was done with the full support of the then Akali Dal government.

The 49 Lakh Heist: A Bank Fraud Caught on Paper

While land grabs are complex, the Dera Baba Gandha Singh Scandal also involves brazen cash theft. Our investigation uncovered a shocking instance of financial fraud at the State Bank of India (formerly State Bank of Patiala), Bhadaur Branch.

Despite written warnings from Mahant Piara Singh, a heist was executed on May 25, 2017. An application was submitted to close the Trust’s account and transfer Rs 49,18,008 (approx. 49 Lakhs) into a new account controlled by the conspirators.

The “Smoking Gun” Evidence

The fraud was clumsy. The application submitted in 2017 was signed by Josan Joseph, a former Principal. However, beneath his signature, the date written was “17/5/2007”.

This glaring discrepancy proves that forged documents were used to siphon off funds. This specific transaction is undeniable proof of the corruption fueling the Dera Baba Gandha Singh Scandal.

The “Fake Mahant” Strategy

To legitimize their control, the conspirators needed a religious face. They introduced Surjit Singh as the new “Mahant,” despite lineage records showing no connection to the original Mahant Gurbachan Singh. Surjit Singh was actually the biological son of Ram Singh, a man who had previously failed to usurp the Dera.

By propping up a fake Mahant, the conspirators managed to open new bank accounts, further deepening the Dera Baba Gandha Singh Scandal by diverting school funds away from legal oversight.

The SGPC Connection: The 63-37 Compromise

Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of the Dera Baba Gandha Singh Scandal is the role of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). While the SGPC was winning legal battles to protect the Dera’s properties, reports surfaced of a suspicious “Compromise”.

A deal was struck known as the “63-37 Ratio,” dividing the Guru’s property between the SGPC and private parties. This raises a burning question: Why did the SGPC withdraw from the Supreme Court to settle for a partition? This compromise suggests that the Dera Baba Gandha Singh Scandal is not just about external enemies, but internal betrayal.

Conclusion: A Heritage in Ruins

The Dera Baba Gandha Singh Scandal is a tragic example of how greed can dismantle history. A legacy started by the daughter of Baba Ala Singh has been reduced to a ledger of stolen funds and grabbed lands. With fake resignations, fraudulent bank transfers, and compromised institutions, the ultimate losers are the students and the Sikh community. It remains to be seen if the vigilance bureaus will finally crack down on this “Royal Robbery.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the Dera Baba Gandha Singh Scandal?

A: It is a massive financial and land scam involving the looting of the Baba Gandha Singh Education Trust in Barnala. It involves forged resignations, a Rs 49 lakh bank fraud, and the illegal takeover of 400 acres of royal property.

Q2: Who is the rightful Chairman of the Trust?

A: According to the Trust Deed, the serving Mahant is the Lifetime Chairman. Mahant Piara Singh claims to be the rightful Chairman but was allegedly removed via a fake resignation letter in 2007.

Q3: How was the bank fraud committed in the Dera Baba Gandha Singh Scandal?

A: On May 25, 2017, the accused transferred over Rs 49 Lakhs using an application signed by a former Principal, Josan Joseph, which bore a signature date from 2007, proving the documents were invalid.

Q4: What is the SGPC’s involvement in the Dera Baba Gandha Singh Scandal?

A: Reports suggest the SGPC withdrew a winning legal case to enter a “63-37” compromise deal, effectively agreeing to divide the historic property instead of protecting it fully.