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Punjab govt says forensic test finds no match between CM Bhagwant Mann and viral video, calls it a conspiracy, orders DGP probe as political row with opposition continues.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. (PTI file photo)
The Punjab government on Friday claimed that a forensic examination has found no match between Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and a viral video that had triggered a political controversy in the state.
The alleged video showed a man looking like the Chief Minister sprinkling alcohol on the portraits of Sikh Gurus.
According to an official statement issued by the government, the video was fabricated and part of a larger conspiracy aimed at tarnishing the image of the Chief Minister.
The government claimed that a forensic analysis of 1,191 frames from the video found that none matched Bhagwant Mann and asserted that the individual seen in the footage was an actor resembling the Chief Minister.
Govt Alleges Conspiracy To Defame CM
According to the Punjab government, opposition parties and certain political groups had used the video to spread misinformation and create confusion among the public.
The statement said Mann had maintained from the beginning that the video was fake and had repeatedly called for an impartial investigation into the matter.
The government claimed the findings vindicated the Chief Minister’s position that the video was not genuine.
Claims Regarding Meeting With Jathedar
The statement further claimed that Mann had attempted to present his side of the controversy before Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj.
According to the government, the Chief Minister informed the Jathedar during the meeting that the person seen in the video was not him and sought an opportunity to explain the matter in detail.
The statement alleged that Mann was not given sufficient opportunity to fully present his position but maintained dignity and respect throughout the interaction.
DGP Directed To Probe Matter
The Punjab government said the Chief Minister has directed the Director General of Police (DGP) to identify those allegedly involved in creating and circulating the video.
According to the statement, Mann has asked authorities to trace all individuals connected to the alleged conspiracy and ensure appropriate legal action is taken.
The government described the controversy as a battle between “truth and falsehood” and maintained that those responsible for creating or distributing the video should be held accountable.
Political Row Continues
The controversy comes amid an ongoing political debate in Punjab, with the ruling Aam Aadmi Party and opposition parties trading accusations over the authenticity of the video and the handling of the matter.
While the government has cited the forensic findings in support of its claims, opposition parties have continued to raise questions surrounding the issue.
The matter remains politically sensitive and is likely to continue generating debate in the state’s political landscape.
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