Abu Dhabi/Delhi (National Times): A disturbing incident involving religious discrimination has come to light after an elderly Sikh man from India was allegedly detained by Abu Dhabi police and forced to remove his turban and kirpan, both integral articles of faith for Sikhs.
The man, identified as Dalvinder Singh, a resident of Kaithal in Haryana, was reportedly on a tourist visa visiting the United Arab Emirates when he was apprehended by local authorities. His son, Manpreet Singh, who resides in Delhi, revealed that his father was held in custody for 20 days without any formal charges or explanation from authorities.
According to Manpreet, the incident occurred when Dalvinder Singh’s tour group visited the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan (BAPS) temple in Abu Dhabi. Police allegedly stopped Dalvinder upon noticing his kirpan, a ceremonial sword that baptized Sikhs are religiously mandated to wear.
Despite efforts from the temple management and tour guides to explain the religious and cultural significance of the kirpan, local law enforcement remained unconvinced and detained him. During his detention, Dalvinder Singh was reportedly compelled to remove both his turban and kirpan—acts that are deeply humiliating and offensive to Sikhs.
The family has expressed shock and outrage over the treatment. “This was not just a personal violation, it was a blatant disregard of religious freedom,” said Manpreet Singh, urging the Indian government to intervene and take up the matter with UAE authorities.
There has been no official statement from the UAE government or the Indian Ministry of External Affairs as of now. However, Sikh advocacy groups and human rights organizations are calling for diplomatic action and an assurance that such incidents will not recur.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation on social media, with many users pointing to the need for greater cultural and religious sensitivity from international law enforcement agencies, especially in global tourist destinations.
Sikh organizations in India and abroad have demanded a formal apology and clarification from the UAE, while also urging the Indian government to ensure the safety and dignity of Sikh travelers abroad.
