BATHINDA, Jan. 15 -- In a breakthrough in the investigation into the disappearance of 328 saroops (sacred copies) of Guru Granth Sahib, chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday revealed that the special investigation team (SIT) has traced 169 saroops from two deras in the Banga area of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (formerly Nawanshahr) district.

Addressing a gathering at the Aam Aadmi Party's Maghi Mela conference in Muktsar, the CM vowed strict action and said that of the 169 recovered saroops, 139 were found to have no official record or serial numbers, raising questions about unauthorised distribution and mismanagement.

"The sanctity of Guru Granth Sahib is paramount. Our government is committed to tracing every single missing saroop,...