Aakil Das, a resident of Jandiala (district Amritsar) was a descendant of Bidhi Chand (son of Baba Handal). He was the chief of Niranjania cult during the eighteenth century. He is also known as Harbhagat Niranjania. He was a sworn enemy of the Sikhs and was an informer of the Mogul regime. He was responsible for the arrest and execution of numerous Sikhs including Bhai Mahtab Singh of Miran Kot and Bhai Taru Singh etc. In 1758, Adina Beg, the chief of Jullundur division, assigned him and Diwan Hira Mall, an expedition against the Sikhs. A battle took place near Qadian (district Gurdaspur). In this battle Hira Mall was killed. Aakil Das fled the battle field. In October 1761, Sarbat Khalsa resolved to punish Aakil Das. In January 1762 Jandiala was besieged by the Sikhs. In the meanwhile Ahmed Shah Durrani invaded the area. The Sikhs left for their hide outs. Aakil Das was killed by the Sikhs sometimes between 1762 and 1765.
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)