Delhi Police Defend Actions After Viral Video Shows Officers at Bangla Sahib
Delhi Police have asserted that a viral video showing personnel wearing shoes near Gurdwara Bangla Sahib was circulated with malicious intent to outrage community feelings.
News Desk · October 12, 2026 · 1 min read
The Delhi Police issued a formal clarification following the widespread circulation of a video showing law enforcement personnel wearing shoes within the premises of Gurdwara Bangla Sahib. Authorities stated that legal action would be initiated against individuals responsible for spreading the footage with what they termed a malicious intent to create communal discord [1.0.1].
The controversy emerged after demonstrators participating in protests against the Chief Election Commissioner sought sanctuary inside the prominent Sikh shrine. Police forces deployed to manage the demonstrations entered the outer areas during the operation, triggering intense political backlash and public debate over the sanctity of religious spaces.
According to statements issued by the police administration, the officers captured in the recording were traversing a common passage utilised by all visitors before reaching the designated footwear removal zone. Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Sachin Sharma noted via social media that the sequence shown in the clip mirrored the standard transit path for daily worshippers. Police maintained that the footage misrepresented routine operational movement to falsely depict disrespect toward the religious institution.
The explanation failed to quell immediate political criticism. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann strongly condemned the police entry, characterising the conduct of the force as bearing a Taliban-like attitude. Accusing authorities of violating religious codes and trampling upon the dignity of a holy site, leaders from various political platforms demanded accountability from the central administration.
Local management representatives and administrative bodies countered some narratives surrounding the events. Officials clarified that security personnel did not enter the main Darbar Hall or inner sanctum of the shrine, though local representatives observed that uniformed officers should have exercised greater discretion. Further inquiries into the sequence of detentions outside the complex remain active as political friction persists across multiple states.