AAP Challenges Sacrilege Video Claims with New Forensic Reports
CHANDIGARH: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday asserted that two independent laboratories outside Punjab have verified that the individual in a controversial sacrilege video is not Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The party has called for a thorough investigation into what it describes as a conspiracy to defame the CM.
This development comes three days after the Akal Takht declared Mann 'Guru Dokhi' (anti-Guru) and 'Panth Virodhi' (anti-Panth), citing reports from two government-approved forensic laboratories that confirmed the video's authenticity and ruled out AI generation.
At a press conference in Mohali, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema presented the new forensic findings without disclosing the laboratories' names, citing ongoing investigations. The party has submitted a formal complaint to the Director General of Police (DGP) seeking legal action.
CM Mann Denounces Allegations
In a video statement, CM Mann stated, "These reports are from outside Punjab and pertain to the same video. All 1,191 frames were examined, and not a single frame matches my face, profile, eyes, height, build, or physical characteristics. This clearly indicates a fabricated video aimed at defaming me."
He further alleged, "Someone used an actor mimicking my hairstyle and appearance. After an unknown investigation, they declared me an enemy of the Panth. This is blatant political propaganda."
Formal Complaint Filed with Punjab Police
Cabinet ministers Harpal Cheema and Aman Arora, along with state media in-charge Baltej Pannu, met Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav to submit the forensic reports and demand strict action against those responsible for creating, circulating, and amplifying the fake video on social media.
CM Mann reiterated his innocence, expressing surprise that "self-appointed custodians of religion and political figures" linked him to the video. He urged the Sikh community not to fall for conspiracies aimed at regaining lost political ground through religious manipulation.
Call for Investigation into Video Origins
Mann stated he has directed the DGP to trace the video's origins, including who arranged the shooting, paid for it, and where it was produced. He emphasized that those responsible should be brought before the Sikh congregation for judgment.
While respecting the Akal Takht Sahib, Mann noted that many have not accepted the recent decisions. He appealed to the Guru Nanak-following sangat to remain vigilant against these conspiracies.
