Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa, on Thursday launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, alleging that the Punjab Government attempted to orchestrate a cover-up through a fabricated forensic report in connection with the controversial video purportedly showing the Chief Minister committing religious sacrilege.
Allegations of Evidence Manipulation
Bajwa said the alleged effort to procure a false forensic report has completely demolished the government's defence and strengthened public belief that the individual seen in the viral video was indeed Bhagwant Mann. Instead of coming clean and allowing an impartial investigation, the government allegedly chose to manipulate evidence and manufacture a narrative to shield the Chief Minister from accountability.
“The attempt to secure a fabricated forensic report is itself the biggest evidence that the government had something to hide. If Bhagwant Mann was innocent, there would have been no need to influence or manipulate a forensic examination. This is not merely a case of deception, it is a blatant abuse of state machinery and a shocking misuse of power at the highest level,” Bajwa said.
Escalation Beyond the Video
He said the controversy is no longer limited to the sacrilege allegations in the video. It has now escalated into a far more serious issue involving an alleged conspiracy to obstruct justice, suppress facts and mislead the people of Punjab.
Demanding Bhagwant Mann's immediate resignation, Bajwa said the Chief Minister has forfeited all moral authority to remain in office after allegedly hurting the religious sentiments of Sikhs across the world. “A person facing such grave allegations cannot continue to occupy the state's highest constitutional office while the matter is investigated. Bhagwant Mann must step down immediately to ensure a fair, transparent and independent probe,” he said.
Demand for Judicial Inquiry
Bajwa also demanded a high-level judicial inquiry under the supervision of a sitting or retired High Court judge to uncover the full truth behind the episode and identify every individual involved in the alleged cover-up.
Referring to developments in Haryana, Bajwa noted that the Gurugram Police have already arrested two individuals following a complaint by Jaspreet Singh, who alleged that two senior Punjab Police officers offered him Rs 10 lakh to submit a false forensic report regarding the controversial video. He further pointed out that Gurugram Police publicly stated that the Punjab Police officers named in the complaint could also face arrest if evidence substantiating the allegations emerges during the investigation.
Broader Implications for Punjab
“This scandal has now moved beyond the original video. The real issue today is the alleged attempt to manipulate evidence and misuse government machinery to protect the Chief Minister. Punjab's people, and particularly the Sikh community, will never forgive any effort to deceive them or undermine the sanctity of their faith for political survival,” Bajwa added.
Bajwa further stated that any Punjab Police officers found involved in pressuring individuals, influencing forensic findings or participating in the alleged conspiracy must also be held personally accountable and face the strictest legal action. “No uniform can become a shield for wrongdoing. Those who misused their official position to protect political masters must be prosecuted in accordance with the law,” he said.
