CCTV footage has emerged showing two Punjab Police officers visiting a hotel in Gurugram, according to local police. The development comes amid a political storm triggered by an alleged objectionable video over which the Akal Takht, the supreme temporal body of Sikhs, had issued an edict against Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on June 15.
Police confirm officers' presence at hotel
Gurugram police officials stated that the CCTV footage, obtained from the hotel's security system, clearly shows two individuals in Punjab Police uniform entering the premises. The officers were reportedly present at the hotel on the night of June 14, just hours before the Akal Takht's edict was made public. Police have not yet disclosed the purpose of their visit or whether it is directly linked to the video controversy.
The development has intensified scrutiny of the situation, with opposition parties demanding a thorough investigation. The Akal Takht had issued a strict directive against Mann, calling for his resignation over the alleged video, which purportedly shows him in a compromising position. Mann has denied the authenticity of the video, calling it a deepfake and part of a political conspiracy.
Political fallout and investigation
The Punjab Police officers' visit to Gurugram has raised questions about potential coordination or interference in the matter. According to sources, the hotel is located in a commercial district of Gurugram, and the officers checked in under assumed names. Gurugram police have registered a case and are examining the footage to ascertain the officers' identities and their purpose.
Meanwhile, the Shiromani Akali Dal and other opposition groups have seized on the footage, alleging that the Mann government is trying to manipulate evidence. “This CCTV footage exposes the attempts to cover up the scandal. The officers were likely sent to destroy or alter evidence,” said a senior Akali Dal leader. The Punjab government has dismissed these claims, stating that the officers were on a routine assignment unrelated to the video.
The Akal Takht's edict, issued by Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, had directed Sikhs to socially boycott Mann and demanded his resignation. The move was unprecedented against a sitting chief minister and has sent shockwaves through Punjab's political landscape. Mann has refused to step down, asserting that he will fight the allegations legally.
Next steps in the investigation
Gurugram police are now coordinating with their Punjab counterparts to verify the identity of the officers seen in the footage. The hotel management has cooperated with investigators, providing additional records. “We are analyzing the CCTV footage and will take appropriate action based on our findings,” a Gurugram police official said. The case has been transferred to the crime branch for further probe.
The controversy has also sparked debates on the misuse of police machinery and the need for accountability. As the investigation unfolds, all eyes are on the forensic analysis of the video and the role of the two officers. The Akal Takht has reiterated its stance, warning of further action if Mann does not comply with its edict. The coming days are likely to see heightened political tensions in Punjab as the matter continues to evolve.
