Daijiworld Media Network - Chandigarh

Chandigarh, Jun 25: BJP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha on Thursday attacked Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann over the alleged viral video controversy involving Sikh Gurus, accusing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of “fabricating” a forensic report to clear Mann’s name.

Chadha, who was associated with the AAP until around two months ago, claimed that the Sikh community was “hurt and angry” over the issue and demanded an investigation into the alleged preparation of the forensic report.

“Those who had doubts about whether the video was real, AI-generated or fake have now got clarity. Bhagwant Mann and the Aam Aadmi Party had to fabricate a forensic report to hide the actual video,” Chadha told.

He alleged that an inquiry should be conducted into how the forensic report was obtained, who was involved in preparing it and whether government resources were misused.

Chadha also demanded that Mann step down as Chief Minister and face prosecution under Punjab’s new anti-sacrilege law.

“An investigation should also be conducted into how this fabricated forensic report was procured. Which officers were involved? Which government money or private money was used? All these matters require investigation,” he said.

AAP leaders have maintained that the alleged video showing a man, claimed by some to be Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, pouring alcohol over a photograph of Sikh Gurus is fake. The party has said the person seen in the video is not Mann.

Gurugram Police probe forensic report allegations

The controversy intensified after Gurugram Police detained two persons allegedly involved in preparing a forensic report that declared the viral video fake.

According to police, the accused allegedly received Rs 10 lakh and claimed that some Punjab government officials were involved in arranging the report. The investigation is currently underway.

Police have also claimed to have obtained CCTV footage showing two Punjab Police officials visiting a hotel in Gurugram allegedly in connection with the preparation of the report. The officials may be questioned as part of the probe, and action could follow if evidence emerges.

Mann denies allegations, claims conspiracy

Bhagwant Mann has continued to deny the allegations, stating that the viral video is fake and accusing the BJP, Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal of joining hands to damage his image.

“For the past few days, my fake videos have been released amid dirty politics. When they cannot find any other way, they try to defame me using religion,” Mann said in a video message.

He claimed that neither his appearance nor mannerisms matched the person seen in the video and said forensic examination had confirmed that the individual in the clip was not him.

Mann alleged that political opponents were pressuring forensic laboratory owners through threats and FIRs to make false claims about the report.

He said people would decide who was speaking the truth and accused rivals of using religion for political purposes.

The Chief Minister had earlier said forensic experts examined 1,191 frames of the video and found no match with him. He claimed that an actor resembling him was used in a planned conspiracy to defame him.

The controversy had earlier reached the Akal Takht, which summoned Mann over the alleged incident. The Sikh temporal body later directed members of the Sikh community to socially boycott the Chief Minister.

With Gurugram Police investigating the alleged fake forensic report, AAP maintaining that the video is fabricated and opposition parties demanding action against Mann, the controversy has become a major political flashpoint in Punjab.