An investigation into a controversial audio clip alleging election interference by Patiala police officials has hit a technical roadblock. The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) submitted a recording of a purported conference call, but police officials state the forensic examination cannot proceed without the original device on which it was recorded.
Forensic Lab Requires Original Evidence
On Sunday, SAD legal cell chief Arshdeep Singh Kler appeared before Additional Director General of Police S P S Parmar to record his statement. He submitted a pen drive containing the recording. However, officials privy to the developments revealed that the submitted content is considered a "derivative" and not the original.
An official explained the procedural hurdle: "What has been submitted by the complainant is a derivative, and the forensic lab does not consider derivatives. Original content with the original device on which it was recorded has to be submitted to the lab for examination." The complainant has been asked to arrange for the original content. In the interim, police will record statements from witnesses.
"Labs are very particular about the original content for analysing. Forwards of such recordings are not good for analysis as per the parameters," the official added.
The Viral Allegation and Police Response
The controversy erupted after SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal shared the audio clip on social media. Kler had filed a complaint with the State Election Commission on Thursday, labelling the call a "conspiracy call" to subvert democracy and hijack the ongoing election in favour of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party. The complaint alleged a plan was detailed to block opposition candidates from reaching nomination centres.
Following the complaint, ADGP Parmar was tasked with looking into the matter. He summoned Sukhbir Badal, Kler, Youth Akali Dal chief Sarabjit Singh Jhinjer, a journalist, and two others under Section 94 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to produce documents or other items. Only Kler appeared before Parmar on Sunday. The summoning orders also explicitly sought the original content.
SAD's Demand for Independent Probe
Speaking to media after his appearance, Kler reiterated the party's demand for a thorough investigation. "Sukhbir Singh Badal has clearly stated that he posted the video on Facebook with full responsibility, and Shiromani Akali Dal wants an investigation," he said.
Kler pointed out that the video is already part of a PIL in the high court and questioned the swift police dismissal. "After filing a complaint... a letter was written by the DIG of Patiala claiming the video was AI-generated. I question how such a certification was issued in just an hour and a half," he stated.
He challenged the police to have the clip examined by an independent lab if they believe it is fabricated. "The police should refrain from intimidating people and instead focus on investigating the video... The Shiromani Akali Dal stands firm on its demand for an investigation, as crossing the line of conduct during elections is unacceptable," Kler asserted.
He further criticized the State Election Commission's inaction, contrasting it with action taken in another case in Tarn Taran. "The State Election Commission, being appointed by the Punjab govt, has not taken any action, showing the govt's alignment with the officers involved. This lack of action raises doubts about the fairness of the election process," Kler concluded.
