Canada-based NRI Jagmandeep Singh alias Jagman Samra has released two additional video statements escalating the political controversy surrounding Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. In the latest videos, Samra challenges the Chief Minister to a live one-on-one debate. This development comes amid a widening political storm that has drawn in the Akal Takht, forensic laboratories, and multiple political parties.
Samra's Claims and Challenge
Samra, who escaped from prison guards while undergoing treatment at Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital in Faridkot on February 1, 2022, and allegedly fled to Canada via Nepal, claimed he has connections in 'Lutyens' Delhi', including access to corridors of power near the residences of the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister. Describing himself as a member of a Taksali Akali family, Samra said he has been familiar with Delhi's political circles since the 1990s. He further alleged that he received information that money was being offered to have him harmed. 'It is not difficult to get a person killed in America and Canada. People open fire just for merely 5000 dollars. I am not scared and not succumbing to pressure,' Samra stated.
Earlier Allegations and Akal Takht Edict
In an earlier video, Samra claimed that he and others who received the viral clip approached a Jathedar and urged him to take cognisance of the matter. He alleged that the Jathedar contacted him, and he assured that the video had been examined by a forensic laboratory, providing both the laboratory's details and its report. However, Samra did not specify which Jathedar he referred to. He also claimed to be the grandson of freedom fighter and former Akali MLA from Sangrur, Jagir Singh Phaguwalia. The controversy escalated on June 15 when the Akal Takht, the highest temporal authority of Sikhs, issued an edict against Chief Minister Mann over the purported video. Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj claimed that two forensic laboratories had authenticated the video, which allegedly showed a man resembling the Chief Minister.
Forensic Examination and Arrests
Following the Akal Takht's directive, the Punjab Government initiated a separate forensic examination of the video. However, the case took a dramatic turn when Gurugram Police arrested two persons, alleging that the forensic report claiming the video's authenticity had been fabricated. The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), announcing its Dharam Yudh Morcha beginning July 19, alleged that two Punjab Police officials orchestrated the procurement of a fabricated forensic report and that the two accused arrested by Gurugram Police were paid Rs 10 lakh to obtain it.
Akal Takht Summons MLAs
Amid the escalating political confrontation, the Akal Takht has summoned Sikh MLAs from both the ruling party and the Opposition on June 29. This move is seen as an attempt to address the deepening crisis that has gripped Punjab politics. The controversy began when Samra claimed that BJP Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal had shared the controversial video of Chief Minister Mann with him. The situation continues to evolve, with Samra's latest challenges adding a new dimension to the ongoing political drama.
