Chandigarh, June 25 (IANS) Punjab Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa on Thursday launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, alleging the government attempted to cover up the controversial video case through a fabricated forensic report.

Bajwa said the effort to procure a false forensic report had “completely demolished” the government’s defence and strengthened public belief that the individual seen in the viral video was indeed Bhagwant Mann.

He alleged that the government chose to manipulate evidence rather than allow an impartial investigation.

“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.

He added that the controversy had escalated beyond sacrilege allegations, becoming a serious issue of alleged conspiracy to obstruct justice and mislead the people of Punjab.

Bajwa demanded Mann’s resignation, saying the Chief Minister had “forfeited all moral authority” to remain in office after allegedly hurting Sikh sentiments worldwide.

The Congress leader also called for a judicial inquiry under a sitting or retired High Court judge to uncover the truth and identify all individuals involved in the alleged cover-up.

Referring to developments in Haryana, Bajwa noted Gurugram Police had arrested two individuals after Jaspreet Singh complained that Punjab Police officers offered him Rs 10 lakh to submit a false forensic report.

He said Gurugram Police had stated that Punjab Police officers named in the complaint could also face arrest if evidence emerged.

“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 said.

He added that any Punjab Police officer found to be pressuring individuals or influencing forensic findings must face strict 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.

–IANS

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