Amritsar
Noted surgeon and philanthropist Dr Santokh Singh was on Sunday elected president of the Chief Khalsa Diwan (CKD), a 115-year old Sikh charitable society.

He polled 152 votes to defeat Rajmohinder Singh Majithia (142 votes) in the bypoll, which was necessitated by the exit of then CKD head Charanjit Singh Chadha in a case of alleged sexual harassment. Former acting president Dhanraj Singh got 65 votes.

For the vice-president’s post, Sarbjit Singh got 160 votes, followed by Nirmal Singh (157).

Surinder Singh (Rumalianwale) was elected honorary secretary.

Dr Santokh Singh said his victory was a step towards depoliticising the CKD, which had earlier being governed by people having a political or radical background.

With an experience of over 40 years in teaching, the former professor of surgery at Government Medical College and Hospital said his efforts would be directed at improving the quality of education in over 50 schools and colleges under the CKD.