Uttarakhand Nihang Sikh Controversy: Mediator Jasdeep Singh faces allegations after objectionable photo leak

The Nihang Sikh Jasdeep Singh, who reached Uttarakhand to mediate in the dispute between Nihangs and local people, appears to be facing a major controversy. After returning to Punjab, an alleged attempt was made to attack Jasdeep Singh during a welcome programme, and later, objectionable photographs of him went viral on social media. Nihang Vicky Thomas has levelled serious allegations against Jasdeep and demanded that he give up the Kakars and apologise.

Nihang Vicky Thomas Singh shared an around 11-minute-long video on social media, in which he discussed the matter in detail and showed some alleged photographs. He claimed that the person seen in the photographs was Jasdeep Singh. According to him, the photographs showed Jasdeep Singh in an objectionable position with another Sikh youth without clothes. Vicky Thomas stated in his post that the respect he had for Jasdeep Singh ended after the photographs surfaced.

Vicky Thomas further claimed that he contacted Jasdeep Singh through a video call to verify the photographs and shared the recording of their conversation on his social media account. Shortly afterwards, he released the recorded video call with Jasdeep Singh. In the recording, Jasdeep Singh allegedly acknowledged that he was the person shown in the photographs but stated that the images were taken while he was under the influence of intoxicants. He expressed regret over the incident and later issued a public apology to the Sikh Sangat.

However, no official response has been issued by the Akal Takht regarding the matter, nor has the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) released any statement. Therefore, the claims circulating on social media are yet to be officially confirmed.

Vicky Thomas Singh argued that the matter was not merely a personal mistake but a serious violation of Sikh religious principles. He further alleged that Jasdeep Singh had used his religious position for financial benefit through UPI-based donation systems and maintained that Amritdhari Sikhs should be held to the highest moral standards.

Supporters of Jasdeep Singh rejected these allegations and claimed that the release of the photographs was part of an alleged blackmail and extortion attempt rather than an effort to uphold religious values. They argued that publishing private material without consent was a criminal act and shifted attention towards the circumstances surrounding the leak.

The controversy later expanded into a broader dispute between Vicky Thomas Singh and Sikh preacher Barjinder Singh Parwana. Parwana accused Vicky of defaming the Nihang community and questioned his intentions, leading to widespread discussions across social media platforms and Sikh religious circles.

As the matter developed, public attention shifted from the authenticity of the photographs, which Jasdeep Singh had reportedly acknowledged to broader questions concerning religious accountability, personal privacy, digital ethics, and whether the release of the material amounted to whistleblowing or an alleged act of blackmail and extortion.

The matter remains unresolved, with attention focused on the possibility of formal religious proceedings before Sri Akal Takht Sahib or the Panj Pyare. The controversy has moved beyond an individual case and continues to generate discussion on the responsibilities of religious figures, the role of Sikh institutions in disciplinary matters, digital privacy, and the ethical implications of exposing personal material on social media.

Notably, after being granted bail, a programme was organised at the Sohana Gurdwara in Mohali to welcome the Nihangs who had returned to Punjab. During the event, a youth approached Jasdeep Singh and allegedly attempted to attack him, leading to chaos at the spot.

The Nihangs and devotees present there immediately caught hold of the youth. The youth was beaten by those present, and during the scuffle, his clothes were also torn. For some time, tension prevailed inside the gurdwara premises. Soon after receiving information, the Sohana police reached the spot and brought the situation under control.

Background

The controversy surrounding Nihang Jasdeep Singh emerged in late June 2026 and quickly became a matter of discussion among sections of the Sikh community. The issue raised questions related to religious accountability, personal conduct, digital privacy, and allegations of blackmail. It also led to a wider debate over the standards expected from individuals representing Sikh religious traditions and the role of Sikh religious institutions in addressing such matters.

Before the controversy, Jasdeep Singh had gained prominence for participating in protests in Karanprayag, Uttarakhand, following a violent clash reportedly triggered by a motorcycle parking dispute on June 16.