Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday accused his political rivals of attempting to defame him on religious grounds following the circulation of a viral video that allegedly shows the desecration of a Sikh Guru. The video, which surfaced on social media platforms earlier this week, has sparked outrage among Sikh communities and drawn sharp reactions from opposition parties.
Mann Denies Involvement, Calls Video Misleading
Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, Mann categorically denied any involvement in the incident depicted in the video. "Some people are trying to defame me on religious grounds. This video is misleading and has been doctored to malign my image," he stated. The Chief Minister urged the public not to fall for what he termed a "conspiracy" by his political opponents to destabilize his government.
The video, which has been widely shared on platforms like WhatsApp and Twitter, shows an unidentified individual handling a religious text in a manner deemed disrespectful by Sikh traditions. Mann's name surfaced in connection with the video after some social media users alleged that the person in the clip was linked to his administration.
Opposition Demands Action, CBI Probe
Opposition parties, including the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have demanded a thorough investigation into the matter. SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, alleging that the incident reflects a broader pattern of disrespect towards Sikh religious symbols under the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. "The desecration of our holy Guru is unacceptable. The Chief Minister must answer for this," Badal said in a statement.
The BJP's Punjab unit also criticized Mann, with state president Sunil Jakhar accusing the CM of "insensitivity" towards Sikh sentiments. Jakhar claimed that the video was just the latest in a series of incidents that have hurt the religious feelings of the Sikh community.
Police Investigation Underway
Punjab Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act, based on a complaint filed by a local Sikh organization. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rakesh Agrawal confirmed that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to trace the origin of the video and identify the individuals involved. "We are analyzing the video forensically to determine its authenticity. No arrests have been made so far," Agrawal told reporters.
The incident comes at a time when Mann's government is already facing criticism over law and order issues in the state. According to data from the Punjab Police, incidents of religious desecration have seen a 15% increase in the past year, with 42 cases reported in 2025 compared to 36 in 2024. However, officials caution that the viral video may be an isolated case and not necessarily linked to a broader trend.
Religious Leaders Call for Calm
Prominent Sikh religious leaders have appealed for calm and urged the public not to take the law into their hands. Jathedar of the Akal Takht, Giani Harpreet Singh, issued a statement saying, "We condemn any act of desecration, but we also urge the faithful to allow the legal process to take its course. Let the police do their job." The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has also offered a reward of ₹1 lakh for any information leading to the identification of the culprit.
Meanwhile, the AAP leadership has rallied behind Mann, with party spokesperson Raghav Chadha dismissing the allegations as "baseless" and part of a "smear campaign" ahead of the upcoming municipal elections in the state. "Bhagwant Mann is a devout Sikh who respects all religions. This is a desperate attempt by the opposition to gain political mileage," Chadha said.
Social Media Reaction and Fact-Checking Efforts
The viral video has triggered a flurry of reactions on social media, with many users demanding action against Mann. However, fact-checking websites have pointed out that the video's metadata suggests it was originally uploaded in 2023, raising questions about its timing and relevance. Independent fact-checker Alt News reported that the video appears to have been cropped from a longer clip that shows no direct link to Mann or his associates.
Despite these clarifications, the damage to Mann's reputation may already be done. Political analyst Dr. Amarjit Singh from Panjab University noted, "In a polarized environment, even unverified content can sway public opinion. The Chief Minister needs to be more proactive in addressing such issues to prevent them from escalating."
Government's Response and Next Steps
The Punjab government has announced that it will take strict action against those found guilty of spreading fake news and communal hatred. Chief Secretary Anurag Verma said that the state's cyber cell is monitoring social media platforms to identify accounts that are deliberately sharing the video with malicious intent. "We will not tolerate any attempt to disturb communal harmony," Verma added.
As the investigation continues, Mann has called for a meeting of all political parties next week to discuss ways to prevent the misuse of religious symbols for political gains. The meeting is expected to be attended by representatives from SAD, BJP, Congress, and other parties.
