A fresh political storm has engulfed Punjab after allegations surrounding a purported video involving Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann triggered sharp reactions from political parties and Sikh religious bodies, with the BJP intensifying demands for his resignation and the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) rejecting the allegations as politically motivated.
The controversy centres on a viral video that allegedly shows a man resembling Mann engaging in objectionable conduct involving photographs of Sikh Gurus.
The video has sparked outrage and prompted intervention from religious authorities, with the Akal Takht – the highest decision-making body in Sikhism – recently declaring Mann as “Guru Dokhi (the betrayer of the Gurus)” and “Khalsa Panth virodhi (anti-Khalsa faith)”.
The latest escalation followed action by Gurugram Police, which registered an FIR and arrested two men in connection with an alleged conspiracy to obtain favourable forensic reports linked to the video.
The case stems from a complaint by a Haryana-based forensic and cyber investigation professional who alleged that individuals claiming to represent senior Punjab government officials attempted to influence forensic findings.
Reacting to the developments, Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa launched a strong attack on the Punjab government, questioning why action had not been taken against Mann.
“The way such a grave sin has been committed, and the attempt to suppress it with the help of money and the police, has been challenged. Sikh authorities, the dignity of Sikhs, and the sentiments of Sikhs have been challenged…When will a case be filed against Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann? When will Bhagwant Mann be arrested in this case?” the BJP leader said during a press conference on Wednesday.
According to the complaint, the forensic official was allegedly pressured to arrange reports declaring the video AI-generated, manipulated or unreliable, and stating that the person in the footage was not the Punjab Chief Minister.
He further alleged that threats were issued and around Rs 10 lakh in cash was forcibly placed in his vehicle. Investigators are examining digital evidence, financial transactions and the role of those involved in preparing and circulating the reports.
“Nothing can be more shameful for Punjab than a Chief Minister facing allegations of sacrilegious conduct and then allegedly using the power of his office to cover it up. After the Akal Takht Sahib’s order on 15 June, senior Punjab Police officers were sent to secure a favourable forensic report with Rs 10 lakh deal with a forensic lab in Gurugram,” Sirsa said in a tweet earlier.
AAP HITS BACK
The Punjab unit of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), however, rejected the allegations and questioned the authenticity of the video itself.
Punjab AAP president Aman Arora said Haryana is governed by the BJP and its police and administration operate under its authority, arguing that if the BJP genuinely wanted to uncover the truth, it should investigate who created, financed and circulated the video.
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Published On:
Jun 24, 2026 11:50 IST
