Sikh leader charged with murder

Bibi Jagir Kaur is a powerful Sikh leader

India's top investigating agency has charged a prominent Sikh religious leader, Bibi Jagir Kaur, with the murder of her pregnant daughter.

Nineteen-year-old Harpreet Kaur died under mysterious circumstances in April this year and was cremated quickly under secrecy.

Harpreet's murder

April 27: Punjab High Court issues notices

May 4: Video of Harpreet's secret marriage released

June 9: CBI inquiry ordered

October 5: CBI arrests 5 people

November 13: Bibi Jagir Kaur charged

The death sparked off allegations that Harpreet had been murdered for marrying a man without her mother's consent.

Jagir Kaur heads the powerful Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) - a body which controls most Sikh shrines.

A BBC correspondent says her arrest now seems imminent.

Ms Kaur had anticipated her arrest and had applied for bail in advance but this has been rejected by a court.

Murder charge

She had already been named as an accused in the alleged murder by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

On Monday, the CBI changed the charge from culpable homicide to that of murder.

The agency said the charge was based on the detailed interrogations of Jagir Kaur's close associates, who are also her co-accused in the case.

These associates are presently in custody.

SGPC manages most Sikh shrines

Jagir Kaur's effort to get an anticipatory bail was rejected by a court in the northern state of Punjab.

The stage is now set for her arrest which, many say, could have a far-reaching impact.

Jagir Kaur is a supporter of Punjab Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal, who helped her become the SGPC chief in a controversial election.

The election caused a rift in Mr Badal's Akali Dal party, with a faction led by prominent Sikh leader Gurcharan Singh Tohra deciding to break away.

Mr Badal has been supporting Jagir Kaur's position and has opposed any investigation into the death.

It is believed that Jagir Kaur's arrest would not only embarrass him but would also help his party rivals in their quest to gain control over the SGPC.

Fresh elections to the SGPC are due on 30 November.